So much for Population growth across the Highlands

HIE aspired to grow the population to 500,000 across the whole of its area by 2025, then it stated in 2008 (NPF2 response page 5) that it aspires to grow the population throughout the area by 15% 'in 20 years or so'.

Using figures to 2031 available on the General Register Office of Statistics web pages, it seems that even using the highest plausible statistical alternative for migration (migration upon which the Highlands is reliant for the population increase) only gives a total population figure of486,677 by 2031, with some areas losing out.

According to the GROS Glossary - extract:

Population Projection

Estimate of the future size and other demographic characteristics of a population, based on an assessment of past trends and assumptions about the future course of demographic behaviour (fertility, mortality, and net migration).

They are plausible scenarios, not forecasts or predictions.

For details of issues and methodology see our Population Projections page.

Note

[Explanation is not included with above table but is available. 'Inverness and East Highland' is Inverness and Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey and Ross and Cromarty (and some of this population comes under 'Inner Moray Firth'.)]