SCOTLAND’S population has risen a record high of 5.4 million following an increase in migration, according to new figures.
National Records of Scotland yesterday published its report Scotland’s Population 2016 – the registrar general’s annual review of demographic trends.
It shows an increase in the nation’s population to 5,404,700, despite a fall in birth rates.
The figures also reveal an increase in the average age of parents, as well as fewer deaths being registered when compared to the 2015 statistics.
Published every year since 1985, the figures paint a picture of a changing Scotland. Migration is cited as the main factor for the increase, with 46,300 people coming to Scotland from the rest of the UK, compared with 37,500 leaving for the rest of the UK, and 40,400 coming from overseas, compared with 17,500 going abroad.
More than 54,000 births were registered in 2016, down 1.1 per cent on the previous year and the lowest annual total since 2005. The average age of mothers increased to 30.3, compared with 26.0 in 1975, and the average age of fathers rose to 32.9, up from 28.4 in 1975.
“Scotland’s population has grown five per cent over the last decade to a record 5.4 million,” said registrar general Tim Ellis.
“The majority of this growth has been due to migration, as natural change (births minus deaths) has not contributed significantly to Scotland’s population growth.”
Scottish Labour deputy leader Alex Rowley said the changing picture would put public services under “increasing strain”, arguing politicians must be honest about how they can be funded in the future.
The report also found that 56,728 deaths were registered in Scotland in 2016, 1.5 per cent down on the previous year. Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease have more than doubled since 2000, overtaking deaths from cerebrovascular disease.
This is due to people living longer as well as fewer people dying from other conditions such as circulatory diseases.
Cancer remains the biggest cause of death, however, with a six per cent rise between 2000 and 2016.
Meanwhile, there were 29,229 marriages in 2016, according to the report. Of these, 998 were same-sex marriages.
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