Scotland's Next Census Date Unveiled

27 March 2008

Scotland’s largest population count, the 2011 Census, is set to be held three years from today on Sunday 27 March 2011 – the earliest date since 1801.

The census is planned to take place on the same day throughout the UK.

The second census since devolution will provide a full population count, measure progress on improving people’s health, housing, education and other vital services. Census results provide the evidence policy makers need to shape future public services and support the right funding for these at local and national levels.

Duncan Macniven, Registrar General for Scotland, said:

“As the second population count to be held under the Scottish Parliament, the 2011 Census will allow us to highlight and measure 10 years of change and see how we compare to the rest of the UK.

“Although the census takes place once a decade, we all feel the effect of its findings daily through the planning and funding of public services: schools, hospitals, housing and roads.

“The 2001 Census question topics included general health, ethnicity, transport and many others. We expect the 2011 questions to build on this so that results can be compared and contrasted to identify and measure progress in improving services.

“The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) organises Scotland’s census. We are working with the UK’s other census teams to plan ahead for 2011. The Scottish Parliament will take the final decision on the census plans, in 2010.

“March 27 is the earliest census date since 1801. However, it will allow us to run the census before the Easter holidays and before campaigning for the 2011 Scottish Parliament election begins”.

Media enquiries for this news release.