Isle of Skye Population 2024

As of 22nd October 2024, the Latest Population of the Isle of Skye Island is 13,143 and might soon reach 22,474 by 2030, according to the NHS Highland.

Top 10 Fun Facts of Isle of Skye

• Magical waters: It is said that you can bathe your face in the waters beneath the old Sligachan Bridge and then retain your beauty forever.
• Whisky fame: Talisker Distillery is one of Scotland’s top-selling whisky producers and is located on Skye.
• Neist Point Lighthouse: A long-abandoned but exposed lighthouse that stands out as a postcard picture on the seaswept shores of Skye
• Origin of James Bond: Ian Fleming invented 007 in Skye and part of the movie Skyfall was filmed there.
• Dinosaur prints: It is possible to find dinosaur prints on Staffin beaches of Skye that date 165 million years.
• Dunvegan Castle: This is the residence of the MacLeod Clan. He is believed to be Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle.
• The Skye Bridge: It was opened in 1995 and linked the land with Skye and previously became famous for high charges.
• Etymology of ‘Skye’: The Etymology of the word ‘Skye’ is taken from the Old Norse word ‘ski’ which means ‘cloud’.
• The Faerie Glen: It is believed that Skye is home to the magical Faerie Glen. According to the myth, the fairies can see, but the exact location is still secret!
• Tourism and whiskey are high in some industries, but agriculture is at its peak for its economy.

Source: facts.uk

Population Growth of Isle of Skye (2011-2024)

In 2011 Census Data, the population of the Isle of Skye was around 10,008 people and is growing steadily at a rate of 0.5% by 2011-2024.

According to the HIE report, the Skye population has been expected to increase by nearly 12% by 2041.

(This data is based on historical data and current demographic patterns. The population figures can fluctuate due to various factors, such as migration, births, and deaths.

For up-to-date information or the latest figure of the population in the Isle of Skye, please follow the official websites: the Scottish Government’s National Records of Scotland.)

Isle of Skye Population Density (2024)

The population density of the Isle of Skye is 4.4/km2, this data is available at NatureScot Information Library.

Skye is a highland located on the west coast of Scotland and is the second largest island after Lewis and Harris. Skye covers an area of 1,656 km2 (639 sq mi) hectares, of which 27% is above 314 metres above sea level.

The big residential centers on the island are Portree, Broadford, Armadale, Dunvegan, Staffin, and Uig, which concentrate on the island population. The Isle of Skye has experienced a gradually increasing population in the last few years; however, major parts of the island remain empty.

Some of the world’s most outstanding scenery can be found in the Isle of Skye such as the Cuillin Hills and the Old Man of Storr. The island is also rich in cultural heritage and was a place for novels and films.

Isle of Skye Population By Age (2024)

A characteristic of the population in the Isle of Skye is that it is rapidly aging. A higher number of people than before have represented the older age brackets.

The census conducted in 2021 reports 12.8% of the population as children aged 0-15 years, 59.7% as aged 16-64 years old and 27.5% as people aged 65 years and over.

The Isle of Skye’s population has a high percentage of people 65+, as many retirees move here for a peaceful life, while the working-age (25-64) population is moderate, mainly working in tourism and local services. Young people (under 25) are fewer in number, as they move to the mainland or larger cities for higher education and job opportunities. Skye’s population is aging, and youth migration is a major factor in this decline.

Isle of Skye Population 2024 By Race

The racial demographics of the Isle of Skye 2024, White Scottish and White British cover a total of more than 95.4% of the population.

Ethnic minorities include Asian, African, and even European communities, accounting for a very negligible percentage, maybe less than 3-5% of the population. Due to Skye’s rural setting, remote location, and largely dependency on areas of tourism, coupled with agriculture, there is minimal racial diversity.

White: 95.4% Population describe themselves as White.

Minority ethnic groups: 4.5% of the population belongs to minority ethnic groups.

Asian: This ethnic minority is predominant on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, constituting 2.8% of its people.

Black and minority ethnic: 7.1% of the population; up by 84% since 2011.

What Makes the Isle of Skye an Attractive Place to Live for Young People?
The natural beauty of the landscapes has made the Island Isle of Skye attractive, where a peaceful lifestyle with a great cultural heritage. A beautiful natural appearance with a peaceful way of life and a strong sense of community makes Skye an attractive place to live.

As HIE reports, among youngsters here, 70% value high-quality jobs in Skye and Lochalsh; 62% consider career progression, access to housing, and affordable transport. The majority of those polled, 58%, say that access to further education is important for them.

Once again, however, this is relatively lower on the list than housing and transport. Lower living costs are also valued by 56%. Most of the themes polled are seen as important to 80% of respondents, while support for the Gaelic language is seen as less important, with nearly half asserting it to be of little importance compared to other Islands in Scotland.