The demographics of Skye, Ross and Cromarty were under the spotlight today (Wednesday 5 February) as Members of the Area Committee took the opportunity to look in some detail at the results from the 2011 census.
The population of the Skye, Ross & Cromarty area has grown by 8.6% compared to the Highland average of 11.1%, with an increase in all six Council Wards, and at a local level in 65 out of 85 data zones.
The highest growth has been in the Black Isle Ward which has seen a population rise from 2001-2011 of 11.5% while the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward has had the lowest growth over the same period of 5.7%.
In his presentation the Council’s Research Officer Cameron Thomas highlighted that the local population growth is strongly linked to the building of new homes. Using maps to look at villages and towns, the statistics showed the greatest increases in population were in Muir of Ord (24%), Strathpeffer (15%), Avoch (15%) Alness (13%) and Kildary (13%). Seaboard is the only settlement to have seen a population decline (-2%).
On Skye the strongest growth has been in Portee North (41%), Skye Central North (18%), Skye Souh East (17%) and Sleat (15%), all linked to relatively high rates of new house building. The more densely areas of Broadford and Portree West where there is less scope for new house building , have seen declines of 1% and 9% respectively. The contrasting fortunes of Dunvegan (-3%) and Duirinish (+6%) were used by Cameron in his presentation to remind Councillors that remoteness is not an absolute barrier to growth.
Results also showed that there is a population peak in the 56 to 68 age group and that the percentage of young people aged 18 to 29 is slightly higher than in 2001.
The committee discussed that although the Census was probably carried out too early to capture the impact of growth at Nigg and Invergordon, they would like further analysis to be carried out to show the distribution of employment across the area. This would allow for a more in depth look at where the number of jobs has gone up over a decade and where they have declined. This data, alongside the population statistics will give Members a clearer insight into just how employment, economic growth and population growth are impacting specific areas.
Speaking after the presentation, Leader of the Area Committee, Councillor Hamish Fraser said: “An increase in population is very good news for our local economy and is important for keeping our communities vibrant and sustainable.
“What the census figures do is they help us to plan for the future as they highlight clearly the strong links between economic growth, new house building and population growth. I see people wanting to come to live and work in our area of the Highlands as a positive sign for the future of many of our communities. It will be interesting to get further details about how employment opportunities are linked to the demand for housing. The figures also show us that, like other areas of the Highlands, we have a large number of people in the 56 to 68 age group which should help us shape our services so we are prepared for the steady increase in the number of retired people we will have over the coming years.”