Trends in Migration
Last Updated: April 2018
Prior to the 1990s, there were more people migrating out of Scotland than into Scotland. This was at an all-time low in 1966 when 43,200 more people left than arrived. Since 2001, net migration has been positive with more people entering than leaving the country. In the year to mid-2017, 23,900 more people arrived in Scotland than left, increasing the population. This is similar to the level of net migration last seen in the year to mid-2009.
Net migration, Scotland, 1956-57 to 2016-17
Source: National Health Service Central Register (NHSCR) patient movements, Office for National Statistics Long-Term International Migration,
Note: From the year 2001-2002 onwards, the migration estimates do not include movements to/from the Armed Forces.