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The latest economic update on the Western Isles predicts a large fall in the number of people living in the islands.

 

The figures are collated from official statistics and published by the comhairle.

 

SNP group leader Gordon Murray said the update makes “grim reading” as the Outer Hebrides is estimated to have the highest population decline in Scotland.
 

Over the next 25 years the working age population in the Western Isles is projected to decline by 27% by the year 2039.
 

The biggest decline is expected in those aged 16 to 24 years with a decrease of 36%.
 

Mr Murray said: "These stark predictions come with a warning that if the current leadership and committee chairs do not change their way of doing things, these statistics will be realised.
 

"The comhairle urgently needs a comprehensive change agenda - shared by all members and led from the front to tackle the big issues facing our islands.

 

“An agenda which would put communities first and empower and support them to shape their own future. Our manifesto shows what could be done with a bit of vision."

 

Comhairle needs to tackle depopulation says SNP

21 July 2017