Counties are nation's two fast growers

TWO Lothian counties have the fastest growing populations in Scotland, new figures reveal.

Both East and West Lothian increased their head count by 10 per cent last year, a statistic experts have put down to a combination of a rising birthrate, migration both from inside and outside the UK, and people living longer.

In East Lothian particularly, the demographic is significantly older than the Scottish average, while West Lothian has been expanding for years.

It also supports NHS Lothian's argument that it is contending with a rocketing population while other health boards - some of which receive proportionally more money - are not.

Duncan Macniven, registrar general for Scotland, said the economic climate hadn't put people off coming to these areas. "There is little evidence that the recent recession has affected Scotland's population."