Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross covers a significant area of the West Highlands, an area which includes some of Scotland's most stunning scenery.
The overall population of Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross has shown steady growth over the last 30 years, although many smaller very rural communities have lost population to the larger centres. Much of the overall increase has been fuelled by immigration, particularly people retiring to the area. Many young people continue to leave in pursuit of tertiary education.
Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross is the area in Scotland which sends the highest percentage of its school students to university. While this is a tribute to a well-educated population, it also highlights the lack of opportunity for vocational training in the area, and the narrowness of the local economic base. The result is a skewed demographic chart with a 'missing generation' of young people, and a population older than the Highlands and Islands average – this reinforces the importance of the educational sector, including the continued growth of the West Highland College UHI. The population overall is widely dispersed, with many living in remote scattered communities where population density is among the lowest on the country. There are opportunities to grow and diversify the economy in sectors including Tourism, Food and Drink, Energy, and Creative Industries.
Please see the attached profile for Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross.
