New figures published today from the National Records of Scotland show birth rates continuing to decrease, death rates increasing, and the number of marriages rising beyond pre-pandemic levels.
Key findings from the latest quarterly report show:
· There were 12,284 births registered in Scotland between 1 October and 31 December 2021. This is 3.6 per cent lower than the quarter four average of 12,742 over the five years 2015-2019.
· At 17,297, the number of deaths in 2021 quarter four is 17.1 per cent higher than the quarter four average of 14,777 for 2015-2019.
· The age-standardised mortality rate for the four-quarter period ending in 2021 quarter 4 was 0.6 per cent higher than the previous four-quarter period (ending 2021 quarter 3). This rate takes into account the growing and ageing population and is therefore the best indicator of the direction of the mortality trend.
· There were 6,793 marriages. This was 12% higher than the average number of fourth quarter marriages over the five years 2015-2019.
· There were 254 same-sex marriages, compared with a five-year average of 238.
· Since June 2021 mixed-sex couples have been able to form a civil partnership. Of the 193 civil partnerships registered in the fourth quarter of 2021, 173 involved mixed-sex couples.
· There were 20 same-sex civil partnerships, the same as the average 2015-2019.
Julie Ramsay, Vital Events statistician, said:
“Whilst the birth rate continued to fall and deaths were higher than the pre-pandemic average for the time of year, the number of marriages increased.
“12% more people got married in Scotland between October and December than the five-year average for that time of year, coinciding with pandemic restrictions easing.”
There were 254 same-sex marriages, an increase on the five-year average of 238, and of the 193 civil partnerships registered, 173 involved mixed-sex couples.
The number of same-sex civil partnerships remained in line with the five-year average”
