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Publication - Research and analysis

Scottish islands: data overview 2023

Published
5 December 2023
From
Director-General Net Zero
Directorate
Environment and Forestry Directorate
Part of
Arts, culture and sport, Business, industry and innovation, Children and families, +12 more … Communities and third sector, Cost of living crisis, Economy, Education, Energy, Environment and climate change, Farming and rural, Health and social care, Housing, Marine and fisheries, Transport, Work and skills
ISBN
9781835217214

This report gives a snapshot of Scotland's island-level data as collated in the new Scottish Islands Data Dashboard and draws out key findings relating to each of the strategic objective topic areas set out in the National Islands Plan.

View supporting documents Supporting documents

4 Socioeconomic Development

Most Island Local Authorities have a higher employment rate than the Scottish average.

With the exception of Highland and North Ayrshire, the Islands Local Authorities generally have a higher employment rate than the Scottish average in 2023. Orkney had the highest employment rate with 88% of those aged 16-64 in work. Highland council had the lowest employment rate with 72% of those aged 16-64 in work. Orkney, Highland and North Ayrshire councils all experienced greater drops in employment between 2020-21 than the Scottish average. This may suggest that these Local Authorities have been more negatively affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic than other Local Authority areas. However, in 2021-22 Orkney and North Ayrshire Council areas saw the greatest increase in employment. Highland Council saw no change.

Employment rates in Island Local Authorities (2022)
Graph showing employment rates in Island Local Authorities (2022). Highest in Orkney Islands at 88% and lowest in Highland at 72%.

Source: Annual Population Survey, National Records of Scotland (2023)

Contact

Email: socialresearch@gov.scot

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