Less than 80 per cent of town residents complete census

According to figures published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) this week, just 77 per cent of households in Campbeltown have completed the census.

This is below the 80 per cent national rate and lower than other areas of Argyll and Bute, including Helensburgh at 83 per cent and the Dunoon area – including Rothesay, Tignabruich, Port Bannatyne and Innellan – at 79 per cent.

Oban, however, has a lower completion rate of 73 per cent.

NRS is appealing to people living in the area to make sure their voices are heard and their needs captured.

Chief executive Paul Lowe said: ‘Thank you to the 2.1 million households across the country who have already filled in their census. By doing so they have helped to shape important services in their community. For those who have yet to complete the census, I would urge you to act now. The census is an important way of understanding how the population and its needs are changing over time. We’re counting on people across Scotland to fill in their census so we have a full understanding of who lives in Scotland and what they need.’

Householders across Scotland have a legal responsibility to fill in the census by the end of May and failure to do so could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. Help and support is available to those who have yet to complete the census at www.census.gov.scot or via the free helpline 0800 030 8308. Paper forms are also still available on request for those who need them.

The 2022 census asks questions on a range of topics, including the types of accommodation people stay in, household relationships, age, sex, health and employment status.

New questions for the 2022 census include use of British Sign Language (BSL), passports held, previous armed forces history and new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and trans status.