Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and Na h-Eileanan Siar to join rehearsal for next census

Three areas of Scotland have been selected for a rehearsal to help National Records of Scotland deliver a successful census in 2021.

NRS will be testing the census online and in paper form in areas of Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow and Na h-Eileanan Siar this autumn.

Around 72,000 households in these areas will receive a letter from today with more information about the rehearsal and how to participate. People are being asked to complete the rehearsal census, which is voluntary, on or around Sunday 13 October, with a final deadline of Thursday 7 November. 

Paul Lowe, Registrar General and Chief Executive of NRS, said:

“The census takes place every 10 years and is a unique count of everyone in Scotland. The results help local authorities, businesses and the government plan a wide range of vital public services, to improve the lives of those living and working in Scotland. The census also becomes part of our history. In the future our descendants will be able to find out about us and how we lived.

“The census is a major logistical operation and for the first time citizens will be able to complete their returns online, or on paper as they prefer. To ensure this goes smoothly we are testing our systems and processes in advance. We are asking as many people as possible in the rehearsal areas to take part and complete their census rehearsal questionnaires on, or around Sunday 13 October.”

People who live in the rehearsal areas and are looking for more information can visit census.gov.scot or call the census helpline on 0800 030 8333 until 7 November. They can also follow on Facebook and Twitter @Scotcensus2021.