The number of non-British nationals living in West Dunbartonshire has increased by 1,000 since last year even with Brexit deadlines looming, according to newly-released figures.

The National Records of Scotland data says a total of 4,000 non-British people lived in the area in June 2020 – a 30 per increase on the same time in 2019.

Of those, 3,000 hail from EU countries, while the remaining 1,000 come from non-EU countries and the rest of the world.

However, in 2019-2020 there were only 3,000 non-nationals living in West Dunbartonshire.

Glasgow had the highest number of resident non-British nationals in 2020 at 94,000, closely followed by Edinburgh at 92,000.

West Dunbartonshire’s MP, Martin Docherty-Hughes, told the Reporter: “Whilst EU nationals may only make up a small proportion of West Dunbartonshire’s total population, our communities benefit hugely from the contributions of those who have chosen to live and work here.

“So many ‘New Scots’, including those with European heritage, work in key sectors vital to Scotland’s recovery from Covid-19 - including frontline NHS workers, social care, and agriculture.

“Like many in West Dunbartonshire I am a grandchild of Irish immigrants, and it saddens me that Brexit risks diminishing Scotland’s historic cultural and economic links with our European neighbours.

“I’m proud to represent West Dunbartonshire’s diverse communities and hope people looking to make a home here continue to feel welcome.”

It was projected that 409,000 non-British nationals were living in Scotland in 2020 – an increase of 36,000 since June 2019.

Overall, Polish remained the most common non-British nationality, accounting for 22 per cent of the total non-British population.

The second most common non-British nationality was Indian with 22,000 people.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton said:“The industries that base themselves in and around West Dunbartonshire and the vibrant tourism sector that we have means that we attract a variety of workers from all over the world, including many from the EU.

“The fact that the UK has now ended its membership with the EU, combined with the immense uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, makes the future very uncertain for non-British nationals who have chosen West Dunbartonshire as the place to live and work.

“I want to make it clear that our local community hugely values the contribution that these people make to our economy and society and I hope that individuals from all over the UK and the rest of the world continue to choose West Dunbartonshire as their home.”