2021

There were 960 centenarians (people aged 100 and over) in Scotland in 2020, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland. This is a 13% increase on the previous year. 

There were four times more women than men aged 100 and over - 770 women compared to 190 men, reflecting the longer life expectancy of women. 

Two thirds of the estimated 43,750 people aged 90 and over are women. 

Esther Roughsedge, Head of Population and Migration Statistics, said:

“The number of people in the oldest age groups has been steadily increasing. 

The latest figures show that as at June 2020 there were 960 people aged 100 and over in Scotland. 

This is the highest ever figure, and is 110 higher than the previous year’s figure. 
The rise is linked to the increase in the number of births that followed the end of World War One.”

Background Notes:

There is no register of centenarians, so the figures are estimates based on population information rolled forward from the 2011 Census. Therefore we do not know who the oldest person in Scotland is.

The estimates relate to the population as at 30 June (mid-year estimates). 

NRS uses ‘age at death’ data to build up a profile of the number of people aged 90 and over in Scotland. For example, if someone died in 2019 aged 105, it would mean that he/she was alive and aged 104 in 2018 and 103 in 2017 etc. By collating ‘age at death’ data, the estimates for earlier years become more accurate as more death records are available to inform these age profiles. Further information on the methodology used to estimate the number of very old (90+) including centenarians is available on the NRS website.

The full report, “Centenarians in Scotland 2010 to 2020”, is available in the Centenarians section of the National Records of Scotland (NRS) website.

Media enquiries should be directed to:
Donna Green
NRS Communications
Tel: 07775 027 380 
Email: [email protected]

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected]
 

Life expectancy at birth in Scotland fell in the latest year, with the average life expectancy at birth for males being 76.8 years and 81.0 years for females, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland. 

The figures for 2018-2020 represent a decrease of around 17.6 weeks for males and 6.1 weeks for females since last year’s estimates, the biggest annual decrease since the series of life expectancy estimates began in 1980-1982.

Deprivation continues to have an impact on life expectancy, with males living in the least deprived areas having 13.5 years more life expectancy than those living in the most deprived areas and females 10.2 years more.  This gap has become wider in recent years.

Female life expectancy at birth was highest in East Renfrewshire (84.0 years) and lowest in Glasgow City (78.3 years) whilst male life expectancy at birth was highest in Shetland Islands (80.6 years) and lowest in Glasgow City (73.1 years).

Scotland has the lowest life expectancy at birth of all UK countries. Average life expectancy in the UK was 79.0 years for males and 82.9 years for females. Over the latest year life expectancy has fallen in all UK countries.

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

“It is clear that the high number of excess deaths in 2020 has led to the fall in life expectancy. Our analysis shows that COVID-19 deaths accounted for the vast majority of the fall in life expectancy for both males and females, with drug-related deaths also having a negative impact on life expectancy for males. 

”This measure of life expectancy provides an important summary of the health of the population and helps to show how this is changing over time.  Increases in life expectancy point to a healthier population whilst reductions point to a decline in population health. COVID-19 has clearly driven a significant increase in deaths and this life expectancy measure will provide important evidence as to whether the impact of the pandemic is a one-off shock or whether it will have a sustained impact on mortality.”

The publication 'Life Expectancy in Scotland, 2018-2020' is available from this website. 

Media enquiries should be directed to:  
Donna Green
Tel: 07775 027 380
Email: [email protected]

Further information about the statistics is available from:
NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected]
 

National Records of Scotland published new figures today which estimate that during 2020, 8% of Scotland’s population (406,000 people) were non-British nationals.

61% of non-British nationals living in Scotland in 2020 were from the EU.

In 2020, Polish was the most common non-British nationality in Scotland, with 92,000 Polish nationals. This represented 23% of the total non-British population.

During 2020, the council areas with the largest proportion of non-British nationals were Aberdeen City (20%), City of Edinburgh (19%) and Glasgow City (12%).

The full publication ‘Population by Country of Birth and Nationality for Scotland, 2020’ can be accessed on the NRS website. This includes information on the number of non-British nationals and non-UK born living in Scotland and each council area.    

Background Notes    

These estimates are sourced from the Annual Population Survey (APS) so there is sampling variability and a degree of uncertainty with the results.

A new weighting method has been introduced to the survey, which calibrates to UK, EU and non-EU-born populations from January 2020. Due to this, users are advised to use caution when making comparisons. More information can be found in the main report and metadata file on the NRS website.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have also today published estimates for Population by Country of Birth and Nationality for the UK as a whole in 2020; these are available on the ONS website.

This publication provides estimates of the number of non-British nationals and the non-UK born population living in Scotland in 2020. They are not directly comparable with estimates of migration flows. For statistics relating to migration flows (the number of migrants moving to or from Scotland over a period of time) please visit the NRS migration flows tables.

Media enquiries should be directed to:

Ewan Mathieson
NRS Communications
Tel: 07949 441311
Email: [email protected]

Further information about the statistics is available from:

NRS Customer Services
Email: [email protected]

As at 12 September, 10,688 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 06 – 12 September, 76 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, an increase of 18 deaths from the previous week.

12 people who died were aged under 65, 13 were of people aged 65-74 and 51 were over 75. 48 people who died were male and 28 were female.

There were 8 deaths in both Glasgow City and in North Lanarkshire, 7 deaths in South Lanarkshire, 6 deaths in Dundee City, and 5 deaths in City of Edinburgh. In total, 26 council areas had at least one death involving COVID-19 last week.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“Today’s NRS figures show that there were 76 deaths in Scotland last week where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of 18 deaths on the previous week.”

“Between March 2020 and August 2021, 93% of people who died with COVID had at least one pre-existing condition, the most common condition being dementia or Alzheimer’s disease."

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland is available on the NRS website. Breakdowns of these figures by date, underlying cause of death, and location can be found under “Data and Charts”.

There were 5,545 marriages registered in Scotland between 1 April and 30 June 2021, according to figures released today by National Records of Scotland.

This was 30% lower than the average number of second quarter marriages over the five years 2015-19 but a large increase on the number of marriages in the same period in 2020, following easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

There were 175 same-sex marriages, compared with a five-year average of 286 for quarter two in 2015-2019.

Since June 2021, mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil partnership. Of 46 civil partnerships registered in the second quarter of 2021, 22 involved mixed-sex couples.

11,441 births were registered in Scotland, a 13% decrease on the average for quarter two between 2015-19.

The number of deaths was broadly in line with the five-year average, with 13,771 deaths. This was  0.6% higher than the equivalent period in 2015-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) was the underlying cause of 125 deaths during quarter two and there were four deaths due to adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

Today’s figures when compared with the average for 2015-2019 show:

• The number of cancer deaths rose by 3.4 per cent to 4,046;
• The number of deaths from coronary heart disease fell by 1.1 per cent to 1,628;
• The number of deaths from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease fell by 9.0 per cent to 1,262;
• Deaths from respiratory diseases fell by 29.0 per cent to 1,124;
• There were 843 deaths from cerebrovascular disease (a decrease of 9.7 per cent.)

Julie Ramsay, Vital Events Statistician, said:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the number of marriages in Scotland, and only 117 weddings took place between April and June 2020.

“The number of marriages have since increased and there were 5,545 marriages registered in the latest quarter. While this is still 30% lower than the pre-pandemic period, it shows many more people in Scotland are tying the knot now that restrictions have eased.

“22 of 46 civil partnerships registered in quarter two were of mixed-sex couples, after civil partnerships were made available to all couples in June this year.”

The publication Births, Deaths and other Vital Events - Quarterly Figures and an infographic summary is available on this website. Breakdowns of these figures can be found under “Data and Charts”.

As at 5 September, 10,612 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 30 August – 5 September, 58 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, an increase of 10 deaths from the previous week.

17 people who died were aged under 65, 12 were of people aged 65-74 and 29 were over 75. 34 people who died were male and 24 were female.

There were 10 deaths in Glasgow City and six each in North Lanarkshire and City of Edinburgh. 42 people died in hospital, eight in care homes and seven at home.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“Today’s NRS figures show that there were 58 deaths in Scotland last week where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of 10 deaths on the previous week.”

“Deaths from all causes were 19% higher than average for this period in 2015 to 2019, and this is the fifteenth consecutive week in which deaths from all causes exceeded the average.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland is available on the NRS website. Breakdowns of these figures by date, underlying cause of death and location can be found under “Data and Charts”.

As at 29 August, 10,554 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 23 – 29 August, 48 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, an increase of seven deaths from the previous week.

28 deaths were of people aged over 75, 11 were people aged 65-74 and nine were under 65. 28 of the people who died were male and 20 were female.

There were seven deaths in the Scottish Borders, six in Glasgow City and five in East Lothian. 36 people died in hospital, seven in care homes and five at home.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“Today’s NRS figures show that there were 48 deaths in Scotland last week where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, an increase of seven on the previous week's figure.”

“Deaths from all causes were 10% higher than average for the equivalent week in the period 2015 to 2019. This is the 14th consecutive week where deaths have been above average.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland is available on the NRS website. Breakdowns of these figures by date, underlying cause of death and location can be found under “Data and Charts”.

A new report from National Records of Scotland (NRS) highlights differences in outcomes for people living in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas.

Data from “Scotland’s Population 2020 – The Registrar General’s Annual Review of Demographic Trends” shows that the death rate for all causes of death in the most deprived areas of Scotland was 1.9 times the rate in the least deprived areas. 

The rates for drug-related deaths (18.4 times as large), alcohol-specific deaths (4.3 times as large), suicides (3.0 times as large), and COVID-19 deaths (2.4 times as large) were all notably higher in the most deprived areas. 

This Annual Review provides a unique analysis of a wide range of datasets, highlighting emerging trends across a number of important themes.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“Our report on Scotland’s Population in 2020 shows that the death rate from all causes in the most deprived areas of Scotland is nearly double the death rate of people in our least deprived areas. The difference in death rates is higher for drug-related deaths, alcohol-specific deaths, suicides, and COVID-19.

People in more deprived areas can also expect far fewer years in good health. There is a 20+ year gap in healthy life expectancy between people in the least and most deprived areas.

This Annual Review has been produced since 1855. This year we have restructured it and presented datasets by a number of important themes, aiming to make it more accessible to a wider range of people.”

The full publication Scotland's Population 2020 - The Registrar General's Annual Review of Demographic Trends is available on the NRS website.

As at 22 August, 10,505 deaths have been registered in Scotland where the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was mentioned on the death certificate, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).

In the week 16 – 22 August, 41 deaths were registered that mentioned COVID-19 on the death certificate, the same number as last week.

12 deaths were of people aged under 65, six were people aged 65-74 and there were 23 deaths of people aged 75 or over. 28 deaths were male, 13 were female.

City of Edinburgh, Fife, Scottish Borders and South Lanarkshire had the highest numbers of deaths at council level last week with four each. In total, 20 council areas had at least one death last week.

The number of deaths from all causes registered in Scotland in this week was 1,163 - 171, or 17%, more than the five year average.

Pete Whitehouse, Director of Statistical Services, said:

“The latest figures show that last week there were 41 deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This represents no change from the previous week.”

“Deaths from all causes were 17% higher than the five year average – the 13th week in a row where we have seen a higher than average number of deaths.”

The publication Deaths involving coronavirus (COVID-19) in Scotland is available on the NRS website.

Remote rural areas and remote small towns have seen the largest declines in population, while large cities and accessible rural areas showed the greatest increases as at 30 June 2020, according to statistics published today by National Records of Scotland

71% of Scotland’s population live in large urban and other urban areas. Large urban areas, along with accessible rural areas, have seen the largest growth in the last ten years. Remote small towns have seen the largest population drop.

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

Scotland has an ageing population. Over the last decade, rural and island areas have aged the most.

Figures show the median age – the age at which half the population is younger and half is older – increased in 94% of Na h-Eileanan Siar data zones, the highest increase of all council areas in Scotland.

In Dundee City, which had the lowest increase of all council areas, the median age increased in 52% data zones.

Today’s figures also show comparative levels of deprivation around Scotland.

Inverclyde had the highest percentage of its population (30%) living in the most deprived areas in Scotland. East Renfrewshire had the highest percentage of its population (38%) living in the least deprived.

NRS statistician Esther Roughsedge said:

“The population of small geographical areas changes over time for many reasons, including births and deaths as well as migration, inwards and outwards.”

“Scotland’s population is continuing to age and grow at different rates. Remote areas, as well as the West of Scotland, experienced the highest rates of depopulation and these areas also saw the largest increases in median age.”

The publication Mid-2020 Small Area Population Estimates Scotland and an infographic summary are available to download.

NRS has also created an interactive visualisation tool for quick access to data on individual data zones around Scotland, and an interactive map to view how the population varies across Scotland.

Additionally, NRS has published local area migration statistics today which bring 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 using our interactive visualisation tool.