Scotland’s population record high

New figures show that Scotland’s population is up by 14,100 people in a year.


Scotland’s population reached an all-time high of 5,327,700 in mid-2013, according to new official figures.

The National Records of Scotland statistics showed that there had been a rise of 14,100 people, based on the 2011 census data.

Around 47,700 people came to Scotland from the rest of the UK, and around 39,800 left Scotland, resulting in a net migration gain of 7,900.

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National Records of Scotland chief executive Tim Ellis, said: “Scotland’s population increased by 14,100 from mid-2012 to mid-2013…there were also around 900 more births than deaths.

“For the 10th consecutive year, more people arrived in Scotland from the rest of the UK and overseas than left to go in the opposite direction.

“However, for the first time in nine years, net migration from the rest of the UK was larger than that from overseas.”

“In contrast, for the third consecutive year, fewer people came to Scotland from overseas than in the preceding year.”

The figures also reported:

  • Net migration to Scotland from England, Wales and Northern Ireland in mid-2013 increased by 4,800 compared to the previous year, because of an increase of 2,600 in the number of people coming to Scotland from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and a decrease of 2,300 in the number of people moving in the opposite direction.
  • Between mid-2012 and mid-2013, 28,200 people came to Scotland from overseas and 26,100 left Scotland to go overseas, giving a net migration gain of 2,100.