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Population rise 'to boost economy'
23/10/2007
John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, today welcomed new projections which show that Scotland's population is likely to rise over the next 25 years.
Mr Swinney was speaking after the Registrar General announced that Scotland's population was not projected to fall below five million until 2076 - rather than 2036 as suggested previously.
Mr Swinney said:
"An increasing population has the potential to boost Scotland's economic growth and help our nation prosper.
"Although we must not be complacent, a larger working age population can enhance the productivity of our economy and create increased consumer demand.
"As a result, the more optimistic picture painted by the Registrar General will help this government meet its aim of increased and sustainable economic growth in Scotland.
"We must continue our work to give Scotland a competitive edge, to attract and retain successful businesses and the people they employ, to end decades of economic underperformance and to ensure the projections for our population continue to be positive."
Minister for Europe and External Affairs Linda Fabiani said:
"The projected growth in Scotland's population to 5.37 million by 2031 is excellent news and has been helped by increases in migration.
"Fresh Talent has and will continue to play a key role in boosting Scotland's population - that is why we are committed to developing Fresh Talent policy and working to preserve our competitive advantage to allow talented graduates to work in Scotland. We want to continue attracting and retaining people to live and work in Scotland, helping us create a wealthier and fairer nation."