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.
21. Clackmannanshire
A -0.4% decline in population is projected in Clackmannanshire, a fall from a 0.5% growth between mid-2009 and mid-2019. Photo: alanf
22. Shetland
A decline of -0.7% is projected in the Shetland Islands by mid-2028. Photo: JPI Media
23. Angus
A -0.8% decline is projected for Angus by mid-2028 after a 1.2% population growth was seen from mid-2009 to mid-2019. Photo: Janusz Baczynski
24. South Ayrshire
A population decline of -1.7% is projected by mid-2028. Photo: Rodney Hutchinson