Highland population growth welcomed as first 2011 Census figures released.

Census results 2011

Highland’s population has risen by  23,000 over the past 10 years to 232,000. The growth of 11% is a higher rate of increase than across Scotland. 

The growth is revealed today (Monday) by the National Records of Scotland in releasing the first results from the 2011 Census, which took place on 27th March, last year.

The national figures show that Scotland’s population has increased by 5% to 5,295,000 since 2001. 

Only high level figures have been released at a Local Authority level.  Since 2001 Highland’s population has increased by 11% to 232,000, a higher rate of increase than across Scotland as a whole.

This figure is higher than expected, compared with the estimates that are generated annually based upon the previous Census.  It is difficult to determine at this stage why these differences may exist however this will become clearer as the more detailed Census results are released during 2013.

Council Leader Drew Hendry said “An increase in population is very good news for the Highland economy as a whole and is important for developing sustainable communities.  The figures also demonstrate that Highland is being very successful not only at sustaining its population but attracting people to the area.”

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