Young People in the Highlands and Islands Ruth Sime Innovation and Skills

Outline The HIE area Demographics of the HIE area Outline of the study Key findings Policy recommendations In the words of young people

H.I.E. Area Distance from Inverness to Lerwick

Milan and Lerwick equidistant from London

The Highlands & Islands 51% of the landmass of Scotland 9% (460,000) of the Scottish population Only one settlement of over 25,000 - Inverness Population growing similar to the Scottish rate – but not everywhere Employment rate (80%) ahead of the Scottish figure Unemployment rate below Scottish and UK averages Productivity below Scottish level and low average incomes

Population Source: GROS Census

Aspirations A growing population in every part of the area A more diverse employment base Higher incomes in real terms World-rated attractiveness of natural and built environments And an open-arms approach to attracting people – an international shop window for Scotland

The Issue – The “Missing 18500” If the Highlands and Islands had the same age structure as Scotland, there would be (25%) more young people in the 15 to 30 age group. Gender Split women, 6660 men

Net Migration by Age average Highlands and Islands (HIE area) Source:General Register Office for Scotland Ref: P219/H&Ipro/ avemigcht

Cummulative Net Migration by Age in the Highlands and Islands Sub Regions

Cummulative Net Migration in Challenge Areas

Cummulative Net Migration – Edinburgh

15-30 Year Old Population Trends

Population Distribution

Comparing “Fragile” to Urban Areas

2061 (36%) 1371 (34%) 1963 (33%) 873 (27%) 632 (16%) 4703 (19%) 2826 (19%) 4118 (40%) Young Person Population Gap: Increase in Population needed to Fill Youth Population Gap

Objectives of the Study Find out more about the attitudes of young people about living, studying and working in the Highlands and Islands Look at the factors that influence migration Identify appropriate initiatives A baseline for future comparisons

Responses H&I Responses 1500 school pupils, 1670 young adults, 300 young adults living in other parts of the UK Gender Female 60% Male 40% Online focus groups Three policy group meetings

Perceptions

Positive Perceptions Proud to be associated with the area (H&I - 72%, Islands – 80%, Fragile areas – 78%) A good place to bring up a family (H&I - 82%, I – 90%, F – 87%) A place where I feel safe (H&I -80%, I – 91%, F – 93%) A place where I want to live for the rest of my life (H&I - 53%, I – 57%, F – 65%) A good place to live as a teenager (H&I - 50%, I – 57%, F – 51%) A place that values its young people (H&I - 31%, I – 39%, F – 41%)

Plenty of job opportunities (H&I – 28%, Islands – 27%, Fragile areas – 25%) Few jobs that pay well (H&I – 56%, I- 59%, F – 61%) Access to university and college courses (H&I 52%, I – 50%, F – 47% A place where it’s OK to be different (H&I – 35%, I – 27%, F, - 36%) A place where everyone knows my business (H&I - 56%, I – 74%, F – 74%) Less Positive Perceptions

Perceptions – Variations across Region Argyll and Bute Fewer job opportunities Lower levels of tolerance More suited to retired people and less suited to young people Orkney A good place to live as a young person or with a family, with value placed on young people Stronger affinity to the area Better job prospects, but few which pay well Shetland Better job prospects Stronger affinity to the area More suited to retired people and less suited to young people Caithness and Sutherland Fewer job opportunities A good place to grow up in InnseGall Poor economic opportunities Much stronger affinity to the area Lower level of tolerance of differences Value their young people and teenager and family friendly Inner Moray Firth More suited to young people Less safe Better paying jobs Moray Weaker affinity with the area Better access to educational opportunities Less value placed on young people and less family and teenager friendly Lochaber, Skye and WesterRoss Less suited to the needs of young people, but a good place to live later in life Very safe and relatively tolerant Highlands and Islands P219/snap analysis 2/areas/comparison areas/LEC area comparisons/pp comparison slide

Perceptions by age: training and employment opportunities in the Highlands and Islands

Perceptions by Age: Young People’s Experiences of Life in the H&I

Predicted location of school pupils in the future

Top 10 Factors” in Retention and Attraction of Young People Wider Higher Education curriculum available within H&I and development of associated facilities Broader range of jobs More jobs with better career prospects opportunities, including self employment More higher paid jobs available New emerging employment opportunities in relevant industries Easier access to affordable housing More recreation/social opportunities Cheaper transport links Faster transport links Greater electronic connectivity

Policy Responses Engagement Education Employment Environment

Effective Intervention All agencies recognise importance of demographic imbalance Alignment of public, private and third sectors Further liaison with young people to identify messages and effective communication channels