Badenoch and Strathspey's population expected to grow over next decade

Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes has said more needs to be done to attract people to the Highlands after latest figures show some parts of the region are expected to suffer from de-population.

Her call follows the publication of the latest National Records of Scotland population statistics,

The projection over the next decade for the entire population of the region shows an increase of 0.4 per cent.

Badenoch and Strathspey's population is expected to grow by 3.6 per cent but other parts of the Highlands are projected to suffer significant falls including Caithness where the figure could drop by one-tenth.

Ms Forbes (SNP), who has long campaigned for measures to combat rural depopulation, said: “Population retention is one of the most present issues facing parts of the Highlands.

“These figures suggest that whilst there has been growth in some areas, such as Badenoch and Strathspey which is welcome, there has also been falls in population numbers elsewhere.

“We need sustainable growth in our population to ensure that our local schools stay open, local businesses have custom and we can provide key services across the Highlands.

“More needs to be done to attract people – particularly young families.”

The data by sub-council area shows:

Badenoch and Strathspey – 3.6 per cent increase

Caithness – 9.3 per cent decrease

East Ross – 4.4 per cent decrease

Inverness – 4.5 per cent increase

Lochaber – 2.8 per cent decrease

Mid Ross – 4.6 per cent increase

Nairn – 4.4 per cent increase

Ross and Cromarty West – 2.5 per cent decrease

Skye and Lochalsh – 0.9 per cent increase

Sutherland – 7.4 per cent decrease

The latest NRS figures can be seen here and at sub-council level here

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