The latest Census figures released by the National Register of Scotland, show that Highland’s population growth spans the age range. Highland’s population has risen by 23,000 between 2001 and 2011 to 232,000. The growth of 11% is a higher rate of increase than across Scotland. The national figures show that Scotland’s population has increased by 5% to 5,295,000 since 2001.
The figures help to understand in which age groups of the population this growth has taken place. There has been growth in the under five population, the working age population – particularly the 40-64 age group and amongst the older age groups. There was an 11% increase in the number of children under 5, compared to a 6% increase across Scotland. There has been a 22% increase in the number of people living in Highland between 65 and 79 and a 32% increase in those over the age of 80. This compares with a 19% increase in the population of over 80s in Scotland.
The latest figures also provide a gender breakdown, which show that there are 118,700 women living in Highland and 113,500 men living in Highland.
The growth in the younger age groups has been expected. Highland Council and the Community Planning Partnership have been committed to promoting the area as child and family friendly, and these figures confirm that Highland is seen as a positive place to bring up children, where they can have the best start in life. Compared to other authorities, we have experienced one of the highest increases in the number of 0 – 5 year olds, and Highland is one of only three areas in Scotland that shows an increase in the number of 0 – 15 year olds.
The growth in the number of people over the age of 65 is a pattern repeated across Scotland, excluding the City Councils. 17% of the population of Scotland are now aged over 65, this compares to 19% of Highland’s population.
Highland Council welcomes the significant contribution that this growing older population is making to local communities across the authority. We have been developing more activities and services directed at older people within those communities, and also working with NHS Highland to ensure that health and care services are well placed to offer support when it is required.
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Chairman of the Council’s Chair of Adult and Children’s Services Committee said: “The confirmation of increasing numbers of children in our communities is very good news. We want families to be confident that Highland is a place where children can grow up happy and confident, and where they can fulfil their potential. When other parts of Scotland have a reducing population, we welcome the fact that Highland’s towns and villages have increasing numbers of children and young people.
“We also welcome the role that increasing numbers of older people are playing in our communities. Along with the majority of other Councils in Scotland we have known for some time that we have an ageing population. This brings many benefits, and older people can be full and active contributors in the life of the Highlands. Indeed, increasing numbers of local voluntary activities are being supported by our older population.
“The Council and NHS Highland have also recognised that our services need to develop, to support the older population, and help them stay fit and healthy, and living at home for as long as they can. That is why we have integrated services for adults, and why we are investing more in community-based provision.”
More detailed figures, providing enabling further analysis of the population within different parts of the Highlands is expected from the summer onwards.