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| This study was commissioned against the background of an increase in the population of rural Scotland: a trend which is set to continue. The aim of the study was therefore to look in more detail at patterns of migration and the impact of in-migration in a selection of case study communities: Skye, North East Fife, Kyle and Carrick, Black Isle, Mearns and Crieff |
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| Key Findings |
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The main findings from this study are as follows: - Between 1991 and 1995 the population of rural Scotland increased by 35,000, and this pattern of in-migration to rural Scotland is set to continue.
- The 1991 census data shows that young people in the 16-29 age group formed 36% of in-migrants to rural areas, and that only 7% of in-migrants were over 65.
- Migrants are attracted by the quality of life, caring communities, a robust rural economy, landscapes and environment, and good service provision.
- In-migration is bringing prosperity to rural Scotland: migration has boosted the rural economy and created rural jobs, often through self-employment.
- Migrants are making a valuable contribution to rural community life, supporting local organisations and 'joining in' with local sporting and social activities.
- The increase in the rural population has policy implications for national and local Government, notably in relation to housing and service provision.
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| Main Findings |
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| The population of rural Scotland increased by 35,000 between 1991 and 1995, and the study suggests that the high quality of life in rural areas, strong communities and Scotland's natural heritage will continue to attract migrants from urban Scotland and further afield. The 1991 census data, showed that young people in the 16-29 age group formed 36% of those moving to rural areas, and that only 7% of migrants in the study areas were over 65. The census data also shows that out-migration, while numerically less significant than in-migration in most rural areas, continues to be a feature of demographic change. |
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| The study suggests that dynamic population turnaround and in-migration is bringing prosperity to rural Scotland. In the study areas, high levels of self-employment amongst migrant households have made a valuable contribution to the rural economy, and overall, migration appears to have had a positive impact on job creation. |
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| People moving to and within the case study areas were working close to their homes, and only 7.6% of in-migrants commuted to urban areas. The study shows that migrants in the case study communities were supporting local organisations and 'joining in' with community activities. Migrants with young families and older members of the community were identified as groups that particularly supported key local services. |
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| There were differences in the type of housing favoured by long term residents and migrants, and migrants were twice as likely to live in new build housing as long term residents. Migration has, however, placed increased pressure on the limited housing stock in rural communities. |
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| The increase in the rural population has policy implications for national and local Government, and this research will support the work of local and national Government in planning ahead to meet the needs of an increasing rural population, notably in relation to housing and service provision. |
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| About the Study |
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| The research was conducted between March 1997 and July 1998 by research team from Aberdeen and Dundee University. The study consisted of analysis of migration patterns using existing data sources; a questionnaire survey of 689 households; personal interviews with 33 people living in the case study areas; and consultation with agencies and organisations with an interest in rural Scotland. |
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| "The Impact of Migration in Rural Scotland", the research report summarised in this Research Findings is available priced £10.00. Cheques should be made payable to The Stationery Office and addressed to: |
The Stationery Office Bookshop,
71 Lothian Road,
Edinburgh EH3 9AZ
Telephone: 0131-228 4181, or Fax: 0131-622 7017 |
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| This report can also be ordered online from: www.thestationeryoffice.co.uk |
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| Further copies of this Research Findings may be obtained from: |
The Scottish Office Central Research Unit
2J
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ
Telephone: 0131-244 7560 |
| or from the publications section of The Scottish Office Website: www.scotland.gov.uk |