The council areas in Scotland with highest population growth and decline projections - new figures
The latest National Records of Scotland (NRS) analysis shows migration has been - and will continue to be - a major driver in population changes for most parts of the country.
Scotland’s overall population grew by 4 percent to 5.46 million between mid-2009 and the end of June 2019, with a further 2 percent growth projected in the decade up to mid-2028 to 5.54 million.
Here, we list the variation in projected population changes between Scotland’s council areas in terms of highest growth and decline, for the decade up to 2028.
It is worth noting these predictions do not take into account recent changes, such as the increase in deaths due to Covid-19 or the changes to migration as a result of travel restrictions imposed during the pandemic.
Here, we list the variation in projected population changes between Scotland’s council areas in terms of highest growth and decline, for the decade up to 2028.
29. Argyll and Bute
A -5.9% population decline is projected in Argyll and Bute, the third highest rate of decline in Scotland. Photo: Supplied
31. Western Isles
The Western Isles, along with Inverclyde, has the biggest negative population change projection at -6.1%. Photo: Lee Thomas Scott