2020

Life expectancy growth continues to stall in Scotland, with the average life expectancy at birth for males at 77.1 years and 81.1 years for females, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland.

Figures for 2017-2019, show that deprivation has an impact on life expectancy, with females living in the least deprived areas are likely to live ten years longer than those living in the most deprived areas.

Males living in the least deprived areas are likely to live 13 years longer than those living in the most deprived areas.
Scotland continues to have the lowest life expectancy at birth of all UK countries. Life expectancy at birth in the UK was 79.4 years for males and 83.1 years for females in 2017-2019.

Life expectancy also varies by rurality across Scotland with people living in more rural areas generally living longer than those in more urban areas. 

Julie Ramsay, Head of Vital Events Statistics at NRS, said:

“The rate of life expectancy growth has stalled over the last few years in Scotland and this has been broadly reflective of the picture throughout the country.

“Life expectancy varies considerably across Scotland,  for example, life expectancy for both males and females is at its lowest in Glasgow City, where males are expected to live to 73.6 years and females to 78.5. 

“Life expectancy for females is highest in East Renfrewshire at 84.0 years and male life expectancy was highest in East Dunbartonshire at 80.5 years.”

The publication Life Expectancy in Scotland, 2017-2019 and an infographic summary is available on this website.

There were 820 centenarians (people aged 100 and over) in Scotland in 2019, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland.

The figures show there are four times more women aged 100 and over than men, with 670 females reaching this milestone in 2019, compared to 150 males.

The number of 100 plus year olds has increased by 5% from last year and represents the first increase after four years of decline. 

Denise Patrick, Head of Population and Migration Statistics, said:

“There are many more women than men who live for over 100 years, reflecting the longer life expectancy of females.

“However, over the past decade, the number of men aged 100 and over has grown at a faster rate than females. Male centenarians have increased by 50% from 100 to 150 in the last ten years. In comparison, there are only 3% more female centenarians now than a decade ago, but there are still many more women aged 100+ (670 in 2019 compared to 650 in 2009).

“Today’s figures also show after four years of decline, we have seen a slight increase in the total number of people living for more than 100 years. This rise corresponds with an increase in the number of births following the end of World War One.”

There are an estimated 43,660 people aged 90 and over, which reflects our ageing population. The number of people in this age group has increased every year since 2009.

The publication Centenarians in Scotland, 2009-2019 and an infographic summary is available on this website.

As at 13 September, a total of 4,236 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 7-13 September, 5 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, 2 of which occurred in a care home and 3 in a hospital.

To place these statistics in context, the total number of all-cause deaths registered in the week 7-13 September was 1,056, 5% higher than the average over the previous five years.

Updated analysis, covering the period from 1 March to 31 August, on mortality by deprivation, pre-existing conditions and by urban and rural areas has also been published today. These key findings remain similar to those published last month, for the period 1 March to 31 July, and show: 

• Adjusting for age, people in the most deprived areas were just over two times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those living in the least deprived areas.
• People living in larger urban areas were over four times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those in remote rural locations.
• Of those who died with COVID-19 in March to August, 92% had at least one pre-existing condition.  The most common main pre-existing condition among those who died with COVID-19 was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (31%) followed by ischaemic heart disease (13%)

Alan Ferrier, Head of Demographic Statistics, said: 

“Every death from this virus represents heartbreak for families and communities across the country who have lost loved ones. 
 
“However, since mid-July the number of deaths involving COVID-19 have remained relatively low, averaging out at one death every other day.

“The updated analysis once again shows that COVID-19 mortality rates are higher in urban, more populated areas, and in areas of highest deprivation.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

A third more deaths were registered between April and June 2020, compared with the five year average, according to figures released today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

A total of 18,201 deaths were registered between April and June. COVID-19 was the underlying cause in 3,739 deaths during this time, accounting for 83% of the 4,515 excess deaths when compared to the five year average.

Today’s figures when compared with the five year average show:

• Deaths from cancer increased by 1.5%
• Deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease increased by 24.5%
• Deaths from coronary heart disease decreased by 1.8%
• Deaths from respiratory diseases decreased by 20.6%
• Deaths from cerebrovascular disease increased by 5.3%
• Deaths from diseases of the genitourinary system increased by 22.5%
• Deaths from diabetes increased by 26.2%
• Deaths from transport accidents decreased by 69.1%
   

Julie Ramsay, Vital Events Statistician, said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the number of deaths  we normally see at this time of year,  the overall death rate is a third higher than the five year average.

 “COVID-19 has also impacted the number of marriages, from April to June only 117 marriages took place, a stark contrast to the five year average of 7,938.

“Similarly only 1,145 births were recorded, as this period coincided with a postponement of the registration of births. We are likely to see a large increase in the  number of birth registrations in the next quarter.”

Five of the marriages registered were same-sex marriages, a significant reduction compared with the five year average of 286.

One civil partnership was registered, compared to an average of 16 from April to June over the previous five years.

The publication Births, Deaths and other Vital Events - Quarterly Figures and an infographic summary is available on this website.

Rural and island communities are ageing at a greater rate than those in cities as of 30 June 2019, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland.

Today’s figures provide a breakdown of Scotland’s population into almost 7,000 small geographical areas, known as data zones.

The figures show that, over the last decade, in Na h-Eileanan Siar 94% of data zones, representing 34 small areas, became older in terms of median age, which is the age at which half the population is younger and half older. In contrast, in Dundee City 44% of data zones, representing 82 small areas, became younger in terms of median age.

Overall more than half of the data zones in every council area increased in median age, reflecting the overall ageing of Scotland’s population.

Denise Patrick, Head of Population and Migration Statistics, said:

“In the last decade, mainly rural councils, as well as those in the West of Scotland have seen a higher proportion of their areas decrease in population. Whilst during the same time cities have seen more areas increase in population.

“Many small geographical areas change in population over time. There is often many reasons for this including births and deaths, as well as migration into and from the area. Larger changes may be due to housing demolitions or new housing developments being built in the area.

“The data zone with the highest population, as of June 2019, was Currie West in the City of Edinburgh, which has 3,784 people living there. This area contains student accommodation for Heriot-Watt University which helps explain the high number of people.

“There are also three data zones with a population of zero, these are in Glasgow City. Major demolitions in these areas have caused the depopulation.”

We also published local area migration statistics today which brings together data produced by NRS as well as by other organisations such as ONS, DWP and the Home Office. Users can compare different areas and indicators and access the latest migration data for council areas, NHS Board areas, and Scotland in the spreadsheet or our interactive visualisation tool.

The publication Mid-2019 Small Area Population Estimates Scotland and an infographic summary are available on this website.

As at 9th August, 4,213 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 3rd – 9th August, five deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, representing a decrease of two from last week. This is the lowest weekly total for deaths involving COVID-19 since the first death was recorded in early March.

Updated analysis, covering the period from 1st March to 31st July, on mortality by occupation, deprivation, pre-existing conditions and by urban and rural areas has also been published today. The key findings remain similar to those published last month, for the period 1st March to 30th June and show:

• Adjusting for age, people in the most deprived areas were two times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those living in the least deprived areas.
• Adjusting for age, people living in larger urban areas were over four times more likely to die with COVID-19 than those in remote locations.
• Of those who died with COVID-19 in March to July, 92% had at least one pre-existing condition.  The most common main pre-existing condition among those who died with COVID-19 was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease representing 31%.
• Going forward, NRS will produce a monthly publication on mortality related to COVID-19, with the next report will be available on 16th September.
• Data on deaths from all causes, excess deaths and COVID-19 related deaths will continue to be made available on a weekly basis, through the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 dashboard, and through UK analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said: 

“Every death from this virus is a tragedy and these statistics represent the heartbreak of many families across the country who have lost loved ones.

“Today’s publication shows a continuing decline in the number of people dying from COVID-19. Since the peak week in mid-April, when 661 COVID-19 related deaths were registered, today’s report shows the lowest weekly total for deaths since the first death was recorded in early March.

“As number of deaths from all causes have now thankfully returned to average levels and the weekly count of deaths involving COVID-19 continues to decline, NRS will from next week alter our approach to publication.  Each month we will now publish a comprehensive and detailed analysis of COVID-19 related and all cause deaths.  Each week we will make available via the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 ‘Four Harms’ dashboard the latest headline figures on COVID-19 related deaths, deaths from all causes and excess deaths. This decision by NRS to halt production of our current detailed weekly publication of COVID-19 related deaths, will be reconsidered should there be a significant change in the spread or impact of COVID-19.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

As at 2nd August, a total of 4,208 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 27th July to 2nd August, seven deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, representing a decrease of one from last week. This is the second lowest weekly total for deaths involving COVID-19 since the first death was recorded in early March.

Of the 4,208 deaths involving COVID-19 registered to date, 46% are related to deaths in care homes, 46% of deaths were in hospitals and 7% of deaths were at home or non-institutional settings.

To place these figures in context, the latest yearly totals show that, in 2018 24% of all deaths occurred in care homes, 49% in hospitals and 27% in home or non-institutional settings.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:  

“Loss of life from this virus is tragic and every death represents loss and heartbreak for families throughout the country.

“Today’s figures show seven more deaths due to COVID-19, showing a similar level for three consecutive weeks. These figures are significantly lower than the peak week in mid- April when 661 COVID-19 related deaths were registered.

“Monitoring the progress of this virus is important and National Records of Scotland will continue to work with Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to understand it’s impact in Scotland.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

As at 26th July, 4,201 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 20th and 26th July, eight deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, representing an increase of two deaths from the previous week. This is the second lowest weekly total for deaths involving COVID-19 since the first death was recorded in early March.

Deaths involving COVID-19 accounted for 1% of all deaths registered from 20th to 26th July, a proportion which has fallen steadily from week 17, 20th to 26th April, when COVID-19 deaths accounted for 36% of all deaths.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:  

“Loss of life from this virus is tragic and every death represents loss and heartbreak for families throughout the country.

“Today’s figures show eight more deaths due to COVID-19, a figure similar to last week and one which is significantly lower than the peak week in mid- April when 661 COVID-19 related deaths were registered.

“Monitoring the progress of this virus is important and National Records of Scotland will continue to work with Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to understand it’s impact in Scotland.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

As at 19th July, 4,193 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland (NRS) today.

Between 13th to 19th July, six deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, representing the twelfth weekly reduction in a row and the lowest weekly total since the pandemic began.

Deaths involving COVID-19 accounted for less than 1% of all deaths registered from 13th to 19th July, showing a significant decline from the peak in week 17, 20th to 26th April, when COVID-19 deaths accounted for 36% of all deaths.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:  

“Every life that is lost because of this virus is a tragedy and brings heartbreak to families across the country.

“Today’s publication shows a continuing decline in the number of people dying from COVID-19. Since the peak week in mid-April, when 661 COVID-19 related deaths were registered, the number of these deaths has thankfully declined for twelve consecutive weeks, to 6 in the latest week.

“National Records of Scotland will continue to work with Scottish Government and Health Protection Scotland (HPS) to monitor and understand the progress and impact of this virus across the country.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland and an infographic summary is available on this website.

Scotland’s next census is to be moved to March 2022 due to the impact of COVID-19, it was announced today.

The census is a count of Scotland’s population usually conducted every ten years by National Records of Scotland and it provides vital information to inform a range of decisions on future schools, hospitals, roads and transport provision.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, Fiona Hyslop, said:

“COVID-19 is the biggest single public health challenge facing us in more than 100 years and as in many other areas of life, the ongoing disruption is impacting on the vital preparations for the census.

“Following careful consideration and on recommendation of National Records of Scotland, Ministers have informed the Scottish Parliament of their intention to move Scotland’s Census date to March 2022. This reflects the unprecedented impact which COVID-19 is having across a wide range of sectors.

“We recognise Scotland’s Census remains more relevant than ever in the current climate, as it allows important planning decisions to be made informed by the make-up of Scotland’s population.

“This decision was not taken lightly. However the quality of the census data must remain robust, and by moving to 2022 National Records of Scotland can continue to deliver a census which ensures the highest possible response rate from people across Scotland, to allow government, local authorities and key services plan for every element of public life, from building homes to NHS support.

“NRS will continue to work closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure that appropriate data is available to support work that was expecting to make use of Census 2021 data, particularly for key funding allocations and policy decisions.”

Paul Lowe, Registrar General and Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland (NRS), said:

“The priority and responsibility of NRS is to put in place a census that enables everyone across Scotland to participate, so that information collected can be used to produce the analyses and deliver the benefits required by the people of Scotland.

“The census is a unique count of every household in Scotland and in the next census, for the first time, the majority of people will be encouraged to complete their questionnaire online. This will require a significant field force and face-to-face engagement in an effort to support digital participation, engage with the public and raise awareness of census across the population. 

“The census is a major logistical operation and the twelve months running up to a census are vital in planning and testing the effectiveness and security of systems and processes. COVID-19 restrictions have delayed or prevented many of these key activities, including engagement with key organisations, from taking place over recent months.  

“This is the right decision for Scotland which will allow us to undertake a high quality and safe census in 2022 that will produce the rich data we need for many years to come. That remains our absolute priority.”

Further information can be found on the Scotland's Census Website.