Net migration down 62% in Scotland
The figures show growth in the population is slowing.
Net migration in Scotland has dropped by more than 60%, figures show, as total population growth has slowed.
Data published on Tuesday shows net migration of 17,900 in the year to mid-2025, substantially down from 47,000 the previous year – a 62% drop.
According to National Records of Scotland (NRS), 50,200 people came to Scotland from the rest of the UK, while 41,600 left for England, Wales or Northern Ireland – a net of 8,600.
A total of 57,600 people came from abroad, compared to 48,300 leaving for international destinations – a net of 9,300.
The population of Scotland increased by just 2,200 – 0.03% – with estimates putting the total at 5,545,500.
Andrew White, head of population and migration statistics at NRS, said: “Scotland’s population is continuing to rise but at a reduced rate compared to recent years.
“This increase is driven by people moving to Scotland from the rest of the UK and internationally.
“In the year to mid-2025, deaths outnumbered births in all council areas except Midlothian and Glasgow city.
“The overall number of deaths registered in Scotland was greater than the number of births, continuing a trend we have seen since 2015.”