Deadline looms for online census form

Census form

PEOPLE in the Highlands have only a few days left to fill in their census questionnaire online, in English or Gaelic.

With more than two million completed census questionnaires already returned, census takers are now visiting households that have yet to respond.

Those with questionnaires that have internet access codes have until Wednesday, April 20 to use them. After that date, people must return a paper questionnaire to avoid the risk of a fine up to £1,000.

Online census questionnaires have been returned 24 hours a day since the online questionnaire opened on March 7.

The man responsible for Scotland’s Census, registrar general Duncan Macniven said: “The online system is quick and easy to use and people in the Highlands who are finishing off their census this week have until April 20 if they want to return it online.

“Census takers are already visiting anyone who has yet to send back their questionnaires to offer help and make sure everyone is counted. Anyone who refuses to take part may then be visited by a member of the census non-compliance team which will work across Scotland, because completing and returning the questionnaire is required by law. Anyone failing to do so could face a fine of up to £1,000."