Scotland shaping up as immigration destination for other Brits

With the Scottish referendum on independence from the rest of the UK just weeks away, it seems the northernmost tip of the British Isles is hotting up as a convenient expat destination.

Even if the referendum doesn’t result in Scottish freedom from the 300-year old English yoke, the Scots themselves traditionally consider they’re a separate race and are proud of their difference and diversity. In 2013, at least 47,685 ‘immigrants’ from the rest of the UK seemed to agree that Scotland is special.

Scotland, including its wild, mountainous northern region and unique islands, is enjoying an impressive economic revival and attracting southerners and Irishmen in increasing numbers. Immigration from overseas, however, is lagging far behind and needs to double to achieve the 24,000 target of First Minister Alex Salmond.

Fewer Scots are leaving for overseas destinations, with the crucial 20- to 59 age group staying almost static. This is good news as regards the workforce, although in the far future more immigrants may be needed as the birth rate is falling.

The beautiful city of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is still the most popular immigrant location and is expected to see housing pressure building up during the next two decades. Farther north, Aberdeen’s connection with the North Sea oil sector is expected to grow the city’s population by 35 per cent during the next 20 years.