EDINBURGH, April 30 (RIA Novosti), Mark Hirst - Scotland’s population has reached its highest levels according to new statistics produced by the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
The figures reveal that for the first time net migration into Scotland from the rest of the UK was greater than that from overseas, suggesting some people are locating to Scotland to take part in the referendum on Scottish independence that will take place on 18th September.
The NRS record that Scotland’s population now stands at 5,327,700, a rise of 14,100 since mid-2012.
“Scotland’s population has continued to grow, reaching its highest ever level last year,” said Tim Ellis the NRS Chief Executive.
“More people arrived in Scotland from the rest of UK and fewer people left to go in the opposite direction, compared with the previous year,” Ellis added.
Brian Corrie, a heating engineer originally from Stirling, is one of those statistics. Corrie moved back to Edinburgh last January after spending 7 years living and working in London. He told RIA Novosti, “I had been looking to move back to Scotland for a while and I deliberately aimed to be back here before the referendum.”
“It’s a huge thing and my decision wasn’t just about being involved in this major part of Scotland’s history, but because I think there is a chance to build something really positive,” Corrie added.
Scots will go to the polls on September 18th and will be asked “Do you agree Scotland should become an independent country?”