Introduction

Scotland’s Census 2022 Data on Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland

This report will analyse Scotland’s Census 2022 data on Gypsy/Traveller demographics and compare results to the rest of Scotland (excluding Gypsy/Travellers). Where sample sizes allow, this will also include intersectional breakdowns by equality characteristics.

Scotland’s Census provides statistics representing the total population, providing a snapshot of the nation. The wide range of topics covered means there is a lot of detailed characteristics data to work with. This allows data users to look at the associations between different characteristics.

The following figures are based on the numbers reported in the Scotland’s Census 2022 data. In order to protect against disclosure of personal information, Statistical Disclosure Control has been applied to the data/outputs. Cells might not sum to sub-totals and totals due to these Statistical Disclosure Controls. To find out more on this visit Scotland's Census statistical disclosure control. 

Considerations for Gypsy/Traveller Census Data and Analysis

While the ethnicity of Gypsy/Travellers has been included in the census since 2011, it is not possible to draw comparisons between this and Scotland’s 2022 Census. The Census included the addition of a tick-box for Showman/Showwoman and Roma. It is expected that some people that selected these new categories may have ticked ‘Gypsy/Traveller’ in 2011. For this reason, this report will not draw comparisons between the 2011 and 2022 Census results. In addition, where the Gypsy/Traveller percentages are based on small numbers, these percentages should be interpreted with caution because a small change in responses might result in a large apparent effect on the calculated proportions.

Gypsy/Travellers’ in Scotland are not a single group but are instead comprised of many different individuals, families and groups, each defined by its own history, culture and lifestyle and their right to self-identify is central to each. We are working with the understanding that, in Scotland, the umbrella term ‘Gypsy/Travellers’ includes Romany Gypsies, Scottish and Irish Travellers, Highland Travellers, Nackens (Scottish Gypsy Travellers), Nawkens and Nawkins. Given the different ways people can identify, it is important to note that people who belong to these distinct ethnic groups may respond to the Census in different ways and we cannot assume that they all selected ‘Gypsy/Traveller’. Caution is advised before applying the results of this report, and census data more generally, to individuals, families or groups that are usually included within ‘Gypsy/Traveller’.

Finally, as with any descriptive statistics, associations do not necessarily imply causation. Therefore, the statistics included in this report will describe the characteristics associated with Gypsy/Travellers as reported in the Census results, however is unable to uncover what causal factors have influenced any these demographic characteristics or outcomes.

Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Gypsy/Travellers 2: Action Plan 2024-2026

The Scottish Government’s Improving the Lives of Scotland's Gypsy/Travellers 2: action plan 2024-2026 sets out actions to improve the lives of Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland.

As part of this plan, objective 32 was set to increase knowledge and understanding about the differential experiences of Gypsy/Traveller communities. This included a specific action which reads:

"We will analyse the Scotland’s Census 2022 dataset, to draw out understanding of differential experiences of Gypsy/Traveller communities. Where possible, this will be supplemented by additional official statistics."

This analytical report will complete this action by analysing and presenting Scotland’s Census 2022 data on the Gypsy/Traveller population.

As the action above states, other official statistics may be used to supplement some of the data included in this report. However, the primary focus will remain on Census data. This is largely due to:

• Gypsy/Traveller populations being underrepresented in quantitative research resulting in limited additional official statistics
• The possibility that other non-official statistics or evidence may not be appropriate to compare to or explain population Census statistics
• The fact that it is not the intention of this report to be a full evidence review of available data on Gypsy/Traveller communities.

Any gaps in evidence will be highlighted as potential areas where improvements or further evidence gathering would be required.