Scots population at 34-year high

THE population of Scotland has increased to its highest level since 1977, with the Capital showing the largest increase, according to official statistics out today.

The estimated population was 5,222,100 in mid-2010, a rise of 28,100 on the previous year.

Reasons for the change included births outstripping deaths and immigration exceeding emigration by 25,000.

Over the year, 46,100 people, including asylum seekers, came to Scotland and 24,600 left the country. The net gain of 21,500 represents about one in 250 of the total population, the Scottish Government figures showed.

Migration between Scotland and the rest of the UK saw a net gain of 3,300, which was lower than the previous year.

Across Scotland, Edinburgh had the largest increase in population at 1.8 per cent, followed by a 1.6 per cent increase in Aberdeen. The largest decline in population, 0.9 per cent, was recorded in Argyll and Bute.

The median age, at which half the population is older and half is younger, was 41 last year.