THE number of households around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is set to rise.

According to new figures published by the National Records of Scotland, the amount of homes surrounding the area – as well as major cities Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow, where around three quarters of the population already live – will grow.

The projected growth over the next 25 years will be around one per cent, while Glasgow and Clyde valley will see its numbers rise by 12 per cent.

A further six per cent increase will occur at Cairngorms National park.
Scotland’s population is ageing, and older people are more likely to live in smaller households or alone.

By 2039, the projections indicate that at least 29 per cent of households will be headed by people aged 65 or over in each of these areas, with the highest figures being in the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park where 51 per cent of households will fit that demographic.

Tim Ellis, the chief executive of National Records of Scotland, 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 lives.

“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.”

Meanwhile, members of the public are being invited to have their say on a five-year plan to widen the social, environmental, cultural and economic benefits of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The draft National Park Partnership Plan 2018-2023 sets out a vision for how the park authority, along with its partners, propose to tackle priorities such as youth unemployment, climate change, outdoor recreation, health and wellbeing and investment in towns and villages.

The 12-week consultation on the plan will run until Monday, July 3 and members of the public are encouraged to have their say.

The plan is the first major piece of work led by the new convener of the national park, James Stuart.

He said: “The national park is a truly special place and this plan proposes how we along with a wide range of other organisations, can work together over the next five years to look after, enhance and make the most of it.”