Scotland’s population is set to fall. Ministers want a new visa to stop it

Scotland’s population is projected to remain broadly stable until the early 2030s before beginning a sustained decline (Image: Gordon Terris)

THE Scottish Government has renewed calls for a Scotland-specific migration system, warning that population decline, an ageing workforce and tighter UK visa rules risk damaging communities and economic growth.

Publishing a new paper on the issue, Business Minister Tom Arthur said the Scottish Government had invited the UK Migration Minister to hold talks on tailoring the system to Scotland’s needs.