POPULATION decline in the Outer Hebrides has been described as the biggest threat facing the islands.

The Western Isles have already suffered some of the greatest population crashes – particularly among young people – in the country.

But the islands are now forecast to suffer modern day Clearances that will see them lose almost one-seventh of their residents.

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The population of the Outer Hebrides is expected to decrease from 27,250 in 2014 to 23,515 by 2039 – the largest percentage projected decline in Scotland.

There were just 222 births registered in the islands last year – the lowest on records going back to 1990, when there were 345 born.

And, between January and September this year, there were just 181 island babies.

In contrast, there were 350 deaths last year.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) has now called for more action at a national level to reverse the projected population decline of 13.7 per cent.

Council leader Angus Campbell said: “These figures sadly confirm what the Comhairle has been saying over the years.

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“Population decline is the biggest threat facing our islands and action must be taken to stop and reverse the decline in numbers.

“That is why we have been campaigning through the Our Islands Our Future campaign for more powers for the islands so that we can do more to shore up our populations.”

Latest forecasts from National Records of Scotland (NRS) predict a 28 per cent fall in the 0-15 year age group and a 21 per cent decline in the working age population.

However, there is expected to be an 11 per cent increase in those of pensionable age.

Before the First World War, the population of the Outer Hebrides was about 45,000, but some islands have been particularly badly hit by dwindling numbers. Since 1951, the population of the whole of Harris has halved to just under 1,900.

And, according to the 2001 census, 16 islands had no inhabitants.

Falling rolls have also seen the Western Isles Council close 11 schools – eight of them primaries – which have merged into larger receiving schools.

The latest NRS projections come as the council is preparing for a population conference involving community planning partners on November 7 and 8.

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Mr Campbell said: “The Comhairle is doing everything in its power to make our islands an attractive place to live and work but we need more assistance from government at a UK and Scottish level to turn our aspirations into reality.

“Issues such as realising the renewable energy potential – which is dependent on a new interconnector – and control over the Crown Estate revenues and management will help give us the tools.

“Otherwise our people will continue to be forced to leave the islands to seek work and we will be left with an increasingly elderly population and the stresses that puts on services in an ever more challenging financial climate.”