The statistics, which provide the official headline measure of Scotland's population on an annual basis for the nation, council areas, and smaller geographical units, were found to meet the standards of the Code of Practice for Statistics. The OSR highlighted the statistics' important insight into the size, demographic breakdown, and geographical distribution of Scotland’s population, noting user confidence across central government, local authorities, and the private and academic sectors. NRS was also commended for providing clear statistical outputs and methodological information, and for its transparency in decision-making through public engagement.
The review identified seven recommendations for NRS to further strengthen these statistics, all of which have been accepted and will be actioned. Delphine Robineau, Director of statistics, census and data services, stated: “Our statistics and analysis provide vital evidence about Scotland's population for planners and decision makers. Retaining accreditation gives them the reassurance that they are working with high quality statistics.”
“"We welcome OSR’s findings and have accepted all their recommendations to help strengthen these statistics further."
NRS will publish a progress report on the recommendations alongside the next planned release of mid-year population estimates in summer 2027.
