Population change
SHETLAND’S population is expected to rise by less than one per cent by 2035 – fewer than 200 people, according to the latest forecasts from the National Records of Scotland.
While the birth rate for the 25 years between 2010 and 2035 in Shetland is expected to fall by 0.3 per cent, the statisticians believe there will be a 0.9 per cent increase in inward migrants, bringing the net population increase to 0.6 per cent.
The figures are in stark contrast to previous forecasts that suggested Shetland’s population would fall below 20,000 by the year 2030.
In comparison the NRS expect Orkney to attract enough migrants to increase its population by 6.8 per cent, despite a birth rate decline of 6.6 per cent.
The western isles face a tougher future though, with an overall decline of 11.3 per cent and a birth rate decline of 16.7 per cent.
The council areas of Scotland forecast to see the greatest population increase are East Lothian (33 per cent) and Perth & Kinross (32 per cent).
The figures can be found at http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/population/projections/sub-national/2010-based/index.html
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