Scotland is facing a demographic time bomb after the new census showed an ageing population in a nation struggling to attract more people.
Without migration the population of Scotland would have decreased by about 49,800 over the past decade, according to the new data released by National Records of Scotland (NRS).
There are more than one million over-65s but only 832,300 people under the age of 15. In 1971 there were double the number of under-15s, compared with over-65s.
In 2011, when the last census was carried out, the two demographics were broadly the same size, but since then the number of people aged 65-plus increased by 22.5%.
Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce said the figures highlight a need to attract new talent to Scotland — especially to communities that will be central to economic growth over the coming years.
Figures show modest growth of 2.7% in Scotland’s population since 2011, a markedly slower late of growth to the decade prior (4.6%).
Aberdeenshire’s population has increased by 4.3% since 2011, while Aberdeen’s has increased by only 0.5%.
Commenting, AGCC Chief Executive Russell Borthwick said: “These are a challenging set of figures for Scotland as a whole and they suggest significant intervention is required by government if we are going to give ourselves the best chance to capitalise on economic opportunities over the coming years.
“And they back up the findings of the Scotland’s Urban AGE study carried out last year by Glasgow Urban Lab for the Chambers of Commerce in the AGE cities- Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
“Scotland’s population is ageing. That’s been a long-term trend, with which we need to get to grips. With well over a million Scots over the age of 65, there needs to a laser focus on growing our economy, making Scotland more productive and attractive for investment. Additionally, the current policy direction of increasing the personal tax burden on those of working age will act as a barrier to retaining and attracting the talent we need.
“We seem to be creating the right economic conditions in Edinburgh and the Lothians — with the population there booming over the past decade.
“But government needs to focus upon making all parts of Scotland attractive places to live and work.
“Aberdeen, the city region which will power the UK’s energy transition over the coming decades, has faced a challenging decade and its population has flatlined.
“We need the best, brightest people and skills flocking to this region if we’re going to make a success of that journey to a diversified, net zero economy. And this must include further consideration of immigration policy being devolved to a regional level ensuring each has access to the specific skills needed to grow their key economic sectors”
“These figures should be a sombre warning to policymakers that the time for action on a number of fronts is now.”