A nation older and wiser... as over-75s soar by a third

SCOTLAND’S population has hit a record high – and the number of elderly people has soared.

Figures published yesterday showed the number of people living in Scotland increased by 20,100 last year to hit 5.42million.

They revealed there has been a far bigger increase in older age groups than younger ones.

The number of people aged 75 and over has rocketed by 31 per cent in the past two decades, while those aged 65-74 have risen by 27 per cent. But the number of under-15s has fallen by 9 per cent over the same period – though there was a 3 per cent increase in 16 to 24-year-olds.

The figures sparked concern over the strain an ageing population is putting on public services.

Scottish Tory deputy leader Jackson Carlaw said: ‘It’s welcome people are living longer but with that comes huge challenges, placing immense strain on health and social services.

‘The SNP shouldn’t have been taken aback by these changing demographics. They’ve been wellknown for some time.

‘Yet its shameful lack of action has led to difficulties in the NHS and a system which is struggling to cope.’

The National Records of Scotland figures show the population rose by 0.4 per cent in the year to June 30. Immigration fuelled the increase, with net migration from overseas rising by 13,400. That from the rest of the UK was up by 10,500 and there were 3,800 more deaths than births.

Registrar General for Scotland Tim Ellis said: ‘Migration continues to be the main driver of Scotland’s population growth, but in the year following the EU referendum, fewer people arrived from overseas than in the previous year. Overall net migration remained positive, with more people coming to Scotland than leaving.’

Of Scotland’s 32 councils, 21 had a population rise and 11 a decline.

The biggest rise was in Midlothian, whose population was up by 1.67 per cent, followed by Edinburgh at 1.19 per cent and East Renfrewshire, at 1.01 per cent.

The biggest decline was in Shetland at -0.52 per cent, followed by Inverclyde at -0.51 per cent, and Aberdeen at -0.45 per cent.

External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: ‘Migration underpins Scottish population increases, therefore the UK Government’s fixation on reducing migration – as illustrated by the shameful treatment of the “Windrush Generation”– is hugely concerning.

‘Falling migration would have a devastating impact on Scottish businesses and communities. What is abundantly clear is that Scotland needs the powers to set a migration policy tailored to our own requirements.’

Responding, Mr Carlaw said: ‘The only function the SNP serves is to use statistics to agitate for the break-up of Britain. It wouldn’t matter whether population went up or down, or by what extent – the Nats would still say it showed the need for more powers.’

‘SNP shouldn’t have been taken aback’