Population timebomb looming for Scotland

THE demographics of Scotland are undergoing “unprecedented change” due to a record low birth rate, only partially offset by a surge in overseas migration.

- BY DAVID WALKER Scottish Politics Reporter

New figures from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) found the population had reached a new high of 5.55 million, and if recent trends continue will reach 5.8 million in 2047.

Births are at an all-time low, with 2024 the ninth year in a row there were more deaths than births. But the population grew due to net migration of 56,400 in the 12 months to June 2024, including about 42,300 people who arrived from outside the UK.

According to the NRS, Scotland faces a demographic timebomb illustrated by a 43% increase in those aged 75 and over since 2004. This trend is set to continue, with the 75 and over age group expected to grow by more than 341,000 by 2047.