HEAD count will rise faster in the north east than in any other part of Scotland over the next 25 years, according to predictions from the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Projections suggest the population of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire will increase by 19 per cent, compared to just seven per cent for the country as a whole.
Figures released by the NRS suggest Edinburgh and the south east will also surpass the national average with a 14 per cent jump, with the Tay cities region to experience a seven per cent rise and numbers in Glasgow and the Clyde Valley to go up by three per cent.
The number of households is also expected to increase as more people begin living alone.
This is said to be due to the ageing population, with older people more likely to live in smaller or solo set-ups.
By 2039, the projections indicate that around one third of households will be headed by people aged 65 or over in every region in the country.
On Loch Lomondside, this group is expected to make up more than half of all households at 51 per cent, with the Cairngorms following at 45 per cent. Both areas already show a higher level of older-led households.
The data, based on statistics from 2014, will be used to help plan services and housing.
However, officials warned the trend-based predictions do not consider the impact of Brexit or other political issues.
Tim Ellis, chief executive of Edinburgh-based NRS, said: “Today’s figures show a projected rise in the number of households around Scotland’s four biggest cities, where around three quarters of the population live.
“Although the number of households is also expected to rise in the two National Parks, the rise is much lower.
“These statistics play an important role helping us predict where people will be living over the next 25 years, allowing policy makers to reach decisions about housing and services in Scotland.”
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