Our numbers are up. That's good

SCOTLAND'S population is at a record high.

The latest estimate is 5,254,800, a rise of 0.6% on 2010. Should we worry or cheer? The Registrar General's latest Annual Review of Demographic Trends – a document first produced in 1855 – suggests that on the whole we should welcome these figures. After all, only a decade ago there was concern that Scotland's population would fall below five million. Declining populations, with dwindling numbers of taxpayers and potential carers are a headache for those attempting to provide public services, especially in the context of a growing elderly population.

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