Scotland's birth rate falls to record low

The country's birth rate has fallen to its lowest level on record, according to new figures from National Records Scotland (NRS). 

In 2023 there were 45,935 births registered, a decline of two per cent on the previous year. 

The data shows that the national Total Fertility Rate fell from 1.30 to 1.33. For a population to remain at a stable level the rate needs to be around 2.1. 

It is also the ninth year in succession that deaths have outnumbered births. 

A total of 63,445 deaths were registered last year, which was a one per cent increase on data from 2022. The figure is “broadly in line” with levels that were expected using a new methodology that considers Scotland’s ageing population. 

Deaths broken down by age show that there was a lower level of mortality expected in those aged 64 to 79, while fatalities in those aged 80 and over were 1.6 per cent higher than expected. 

Infant death is also on the rise. It grew to 4.0 per 1,000 births. The figure is historically low, despite being the highest rate since 2011. 

NRS statistician Phillipa Haxton said: “The publication of these annual figures for 2023 gives us an opportunity to step back and look at the bigger picture. 

“We’re seeing the number of excess deaths falling after three years when they were higher due to the impact of the pandemic. 

“The number of births has fallen, and the total fertility rate is the lowest ever recorded, reflecting the move towards smaller families.”