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Corrections and Revisions
We have made some small revisions to the files below since they were initially published. For more details please refer to the Geography Revisions and Corrections page.
Settlements and Localities Dataset
Background Information on Settlements and Localities
(Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) 584 Kb)
Settlements
A settlement is defined to be a group of high density postcodes whose combined population rounds to 500 people or more. They are separated by low density postcodes.
Localities
Localities correspond to the more recognisable towns and cities of Scotland which can be found within settlements. They also have a minimum rounded population of 500 people or more.
Digital Boundaries
Shapefiles provided in Zip format that can be used with population estimates publications.
Related Information and Data (available on the National Records of Scotland website).
Population Estimates of Settlements and Localities
Publications
2001 Census: Key Statistics for Settlements and Localities (Published 25 March 2003)
Scottish Settlements Urban and Rural Areas in Scotland (Published 5 February 2001)
Useful Information
If you're having problems viewing this data please visit our Data Download Support
For licencing information please visit our Geography Licencing section
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Enquiries
Please contact our Geography Customer Services if you need any further information.
E-mail: [email protected]
A list of common definitions and acronyms used in these pages is available on our Glossary page.