North and West coastal innovation

CO₂ emissions are relatively low across the area, but emissions per capita are high

The map shows CO₂ emissions, per kilometre squared for each Local Authority in Scotland.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the main greenhouse gas, accounting for about 81 per cent of the UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.

The map highlights that the Island authorities, Argyll and Bute and Highland all have relatively low CO₂ emissions when compared to the central belt.

Net carbon dioxide emissions per kilometre squared

Fewer people will live in the area in the future, and the population is growing older

The map shows the predicted change in the number of people living in each Local Authority between 2018 and 2043.

Na h-Eileanan Siar, Argyll & Bute, Shetland Islands, and Highland are all projected to have smaller populations in 2043, compared to today.

Predicted population change 2018 - 2043

We also know that by 2043 every Local Authority in Scotland will be home to more people aged 65+, compared to today.

For example the Orkney Islands is projected to see its older population grow by 38%.

Projected percentage population change, 2018 - 2043: Aged 65+

Projected growth in population

Potential impact

These changes will affect the demand for infrastructure and services like housing, education, transport, and healthcare, and we must support these communities to prepare for and avoid the potential negative effects.

Fuel poverty is a challenge for many households in the area, and wages are below the national average

The map shows the percentage of households living in fuel poverty, for each Local Authority in Scotland.

Over 35% of households in Na h-Eileanan Siar live in fuel poverty, which is the highest proportion of any Local Authority, and there is a clear overall pattern of higher fuel poverty in the north west region of Scotland.

Households in fuel poverty by Local Authority

Wages also tend to be lower across the area, particularly when compared to the central belt.

The map shows the average hourly wage earned by residents of each Local Authority.  

Average hourly wage by Local Authority

Median gross hourly wage (home location)

Aquaculture is an important part of the local economy

Aquaculture is an increasingly important industry for Scotland, helping to sustain economic activity in the rural and coastal communities of the north and west.

The map shows locations of both fish and shellfish aquaculture sites, which can be found across the country but are weighted towards the west coast and islands.

Aquaculture Locations

Fish

Shellfish

View aquaculture sites in the NPF4 Data Atlas

There are more scheduled monuments per person here than anywhere else

Historic Environment Scotland maintains a list of Scotland's nationally important historic sites, and the map shows the locations of these scheduled monuments.

Nationally important historic sites can be found across the entire country.

Locations of scheduled monuments

 Scheduled Monument

View scheduled monuments in the NPF4 Data Atlas

However, it may be more useful to look at the data in a slightly different way - this time as the number of scheduled monuments compared to the number of people in each Local Authority.

When grouping scheduled monuments in this way, shown in the bar chart, we find that there are more scheduled monuments per 1,000 people in the Shetland Islands than in any other Local Authority.

The Orkney Islands, Argyll & Bute, and Western Isles also have high numbers of monuments, compared to the size of their populations.

Scheduled monuments per 1,000 people, by Local Authority

The high number of scheduled monuments found in this part of the country gives an indication of the region's rich built and cultural heritage.

The area is rich in biodiversity, which must be protected

The map shows locations of Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Scotland.

You can also use the link above to view data on a range of other protected areas including Special Protection Areas (SPA) and Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar).

These maps highlight that large sections of land across the north west region have been identified as areas of rich biodiversity that should be protected.

Locations of Sites of Special Scientific Interest

 SSSI

View biodiversity data in the NPF4 Data Atlas

 

There is a strong culture of community buyouts in the area

There is increased focus on community ownership in Scotland, but some communities have been more active in taking ownership of their local assets than others.

The map shows the number of assets that are currently held in community ownership and illustrates that a strong culture of community buyouts has developed in the Western Isles, the Highlands, and Argyll & Bute.

Assets in community ownership by Scottish Parliamentary Constituency

Number of assets