Aberdeen’s population has jumped by more than 20,000 over the past decade – the equivalent of the population of large town being added to the city.
The shock new figures from the National Records of Scotland show that the Granite City has grown by 20,220 residents since 2006 bringing the total to 230,350 as of June last year.
The revelation comes just weeks after the same body predicted that the population of Aberdeen would grow by a further 24% by 2039 – the largest rise of any city in Scotland.
In comparison, Glasgow and Clyde Valley is expected to see a 12% rise, Edinburgh and south-east Scotland a 22% rise and Tayside 13%.
Of the 9.5% increase in population in Aberdeen since 2006, the vast majority at around 7.5% has been from new migrants coming to the city.
An increase in birth rates accounts for around 2.15% of the increase.
Last night council leader Jenny Laing said the city faced increasing challenges with an aging population and more pressures on school places from incomers.
The Labour councillor said: “A good deal of our population is aging so we have seen pressures on the like of on nursing homes and sheltered housing and social care service.
“We have always been ambitious as an administration to bring more people to live and work in Aberdeen but we need to ensure that we have the right infrastructure in place.
“We have put forward ambitious projects and plans for the city… but we have always been vocal about the poor deal we get from the Scottish Government.”
But SNP Aberdeen South MP Callum McCaig said: “I think it’s good that the city is growing, I remember ten years ago when these stats came out and they predicted Dundee would overtake Aberdeen as the third city.
“This obviously increases the pressures on the likes of schools, hospitals and housing… but also brings a big economic benefit.
“As for funding, at the end of the day the council has £100million in reserves so they are perfectly able to push on with projects if they choose.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of city centre business body Aberdeen Inspired, said: “As the city centre population changes, so will its landscape, as we plan to see a larger mixed use of residential space, quality independent retailers and a strong and varied hospitality presence.
“We want to create a city centre everyone can be proud of, and one that both current and future residents will enjoy.”
