Capital population set to top 550,000 mark

THE number of people living in Edinburgh is set to shoot up to more than 550,000 over the next 25 years – but that is nothing compared to the population boom a few miles east.

Official estimates show the Capital's population rising 16.8 per cent, while East Lothian's population is predicted to rise faster than anywhere else in Scotland, increasing 33.5 per cent by 2033 to hit 128,279.

That compares with a Scotland-wide population rise of around seven per cent to 5,544,410.

The report from the General Register Office for Scotland assumes that recent trends will continue into the future, considering factors such as the age of the population, migration, birth and death rates.

In West Lothian the population is predicted to increase by 22.9 per cent to 208,364, while Midlothian will rise just 3.3 per cent to 83,187.

Of the 16.8 per cent population increase in Edinburgh, it is estimated that 13 per cent will be caused by people moving into the city, with 3.8 per cent caused by a rise in the number of births over the number of deaths. The Capital faces a 30.8 per cent rise in the number of pensioners living in the city.

City leader Councillor Jenny Dawe said: "An increasing population brings challenges as well as benefits, some of which we have already been dealing with. For example, we have already made extra investment in services and support for older people in recent years, and that will be continued in our forthcoming budget."

The rising population expected in East Lothian is also largely due to the number of people expected to move into the area, although high birth rates are also a factor, with a 37.9 per cent rise in the number of children under 16 anticipated.

East Lothian's depute leader, Councillor Stuart MacKinnon, said: "We have known for many years that East Lothian is one of the most popular areas in Scotland for people to move to.

"Today's figures, though, highlight a possible growth of population of more than 32,000 people over the next 25 years which certainly poses some challenges for the council and our partners in other services including health and transport.

"The projected rise suggests East Lothian will have the highest birth rate in Scotland and a considerable rise in the number of children under 16.

"We are taking this into account when planning our education provision, but it also demonstrates the county has a thriving future." West Lothian also faces an ageing population, with the number of pensioners set to rise faster than anywhere in Scotland apart from Aberdeenshire, going up 59.5 per cent by 2033.