Comments on: The myth of the Outer Hebrides population “crash”

By: Berneray in 2008: keeping the Post Office « Silversprite

Berneray in 2008: keeping the Post Office « Silversprite — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:13:39 +0000

[...] The population has stayed remarkably stable over the last four years, being within the band of 121 to 131 between 2005 and 2008. That pretty much mirrors the Outer Hebrides, where very recent years have shown a levelling-out, and a slight rise, in the overall population. The statistics show that the myth of an ever-plummeting population figure is just that: a myth. [...]

By: Jon Edwards

Jon Edwards — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:09:02 +0000

Your point concerning attendance at funerals highlights the enduring social bonds within Hebridean communities, contrasted with the systemic collapse of society and the family unit elsewhere.

By: Janet

Janet — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:21:22 +0000

I look forward to the next posting. One of the “lurking” problems I hope you discuss is the transient nature of migrant workers from the Baltic states and Eastern Europe. See Helens post. Did you see the recent television programme showing many returning to Poland because wages have risen there?

The population here is 26 thousand. But it takes just a few coaches of migrant workers to leave and that is a noticeable fall in the population. “Stable” though the current level is, relatively little things like two coaches leaving has a large effect which greatly affect housing, local shops and services. And employers trying to find employees.

We’re a small pond. The tiniest stone thrown in makes big ripples.

By: Daxx

Daxx — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:52:37 +0000

Saw your blog reviewed on Scottish Roundup. Nice blog.

By: Donald ness lewis

Donald ness lewis — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 17:34:15 +0000

helen is right. it is good that people relocate here. without them the townships would be smaller and the post office would have ripped out more offices, what do the post office care about the islands, obviously nothing. but if there is not enough intermarriage or intergration as helen says then as indigenous people die the cutlure dies with them. so then the hebrides is then what? a windy version of dorset by the sea. not the hebrides.

By: Helen

Helen — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 13:15:22 +0000

Your analysis is spot on – I worked for the Council and it is openly admitted (and celebrated) that population is growing (albeit slowly).

But (and there is always a but). The make-up of the population is changing in type. Many UK migrants (with or without a local connection) are retiring here. That presents difficulties for Social Services, who need to fund and provide services for longer-living, increasingly frail people; and it presents problems for communities, which need younger people to sustain schools and youth services.

The ‘new EU’ migrants are mostly younger, and more likely to bring or beget families – but the have no local ties and may have different value and aspirations to those held by indigenous people. They may also be more transient, which makes it hard to plan forhousing, services and schools for them. Hopefully intermarriage with local kids will keep some of the here.

By: George

George — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:48:25 +0000

I don’t see there being one big housing crash, but rather a series of smaller corrections which nevertheless could affect those who borrowed heavily for new builds.

As for the behaviour of the children here I’d say they aren’t much different to those on the mainland. They can be rude, loud and intimidating when in groups but more polite and friendly when talked to by themselves. I try to avoid Stornoway at lunchtime during term-time because of the college students flooding into town looking to buy junk food, and not caring who gets in their way or respecting the queues.

And come Friday and Saturday night it seems there are too many young adults in town getting drunk, getting into minor fights and generally being disruptive.

By: Archie

Archie — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 21:50:38 +0000

That was a well made case. Though I feel you are more optimistic than realistic The crash will come, and it will be soon, and it will be hard.