Scots living longer as the population grows

demographics: Life expectancy between council areas varies widely

Life expectancy in Scotland has improved in the last three decades but remains lower than the UK as a whole, according to new figures.

Boys born around 2013 can now expect to live to the age of 77.1 while girls can expect to live to 81.1, National Records of Scotland (NRS) figures showed.

The figures are an increase of eight and 5.8 years respectively on 30 years ago.

However, life expectancy in Scotland remains lower than the UK as a whole where in 2011-2013 it was estimated as 82.7 years for women and 78.9 years for men.

Within Scotland, there is also a wide variation in life expectancy at birth between different council areas, with Glasgow the lowest at 73 for men and 78.5 for women.

The picture is different in neighbouring East Dunbartonshire, where people can expect to live the longest of any in Scotland, 80.5 for men and 83.9 for women.

Tim Ellis, registrar general of Scotland, said: “This is a time of substantial demographic change: the population is increasing and ageing.

“The ageing population is the most distinctive current demographic development and will bring both opportunities and challenges.

“Life expectancy at birth in Scotland, while increasing, is lower than in the UK as a whole and lower than a lot of other developed countries.”

Sir, - How much longer must we wait until Nicola Sturgeon tells us when she’s going to vary Scottish income tax above present UK rates and by how much?

Prior to the General Election, Ms Sturgeon repeatedly told us she was going to save Scotland from austerity.

But since then, pretty much all we’ve seen from the SNP is tedious gameplaying at Westminster and daily demands for an imminent second referendum.

The Smith Commission granted the First Minister extensive new powers over income tax. This is her perfect opportunity to generate additional income from us to tackle austerity.

But perhaps all that

welfare rhetoric is simply forgotten now the SNP has 95% of Scottish Westminster seats and we won’t have to pay higher income tax in Scotland after all?

Hitherto, the SNP has merely spent money and complained the Barnett Formula isn’t fair.

The nationalists have long since had the opportunity to vary income tax though have never done so.

The First Minister may be about to find out raising taxes is as unpopular as anti-austerity rhetoric is popular.

It is time Ms Sturgeon told us how she’s going to put our money where her mouth is. Martin Redfern. 4 Royal Circus, Edinburgh.