ARGYLL and Bute’s population has shrunk slightly, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.

Statistics released this week estimated that there were 87,810 people living in the region on June 30, 2023, down 120 from the total 12 months previously.

Between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023, there were 570 births recorded in the area and 1,231 deaths.

There was a net migration of 460 people into the area during this time, from an 'inflow' of 4,050 and an 'outflow' of 3,590.

The net migration into Argyll and Bute came mostly from within Scotland, with 1,380 people coming from the rest of the UK and 370 from abroad.

Net migration out of the area was also mostly to Scotland, with 960 heading to other parts of the UK and 250 abroad.

A further 81 arrivals are listed under the ‘other changes’ section of the data, which includes changes in the prison population and in armed forces personnel based in Scotland, as well as the effects of rounding.

At a national level, Scotland’s population rose faster than at any time since the 1940s.

The country’s population was at 5,490,100 on June 30 last year, according to the NRS' mid-year population estimates for 2023.

That is up 43,100 from the middle of 2022, a 0.8 per cent increase, and the biggest jump in one year since 1946-1947.

Equalities minister Kaukab Stewart said: “These results confirm Scotland continues to be an attractive and welcoming country, which people from across the UK and internationally are choosing to call home.

“Inward migration is essential to our continued population growth, and the sustainability of our public services, with deaths outnumbering births across every local authority area.

“We want to work with the UK Government towards an immigration system that meets Scotland’s distinct economic and demographic needs and are pressing our case for a rural visa pilot tailored to the needs of our rural and island communities.”

She said the Scottish Government is supporting local action to help communities retain populations and working with partners to “collectively deliver a sustainable solution to the challenges affecting rural and island communities” such as those in Argyll and Bute.