Who is moving to the Highlands and Islands and why? These questions have been tackled in a new study by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The answers, which challenge some popularly held perceptions, will be used in efforts to help repeat the success of communities that have grown and flourished in recent years in other more vulnerable and fragile areas.

Six hundred "in-migrants" living in Wester Ross, Skye and Raasay and Arran were interviewed on their reasons for moving, their experiences since and the nature and sustainability of the economic activity they were involved in. The survey was followed up with 15 in-depth interviews.

The study found that of those questioned:
* 80 per cent had moved from outwith the Highland and Islands (or Ayrshire);
* 48 per cent had moved from England or Wales;
* Arran attracts more in-migrants from elsewhere in Scotland, while a greater proportion of those who moved to Skye and particularly Wester Ross originate from outwith Scotland;
* Overall 5 per cent originated from outside the UK.

"Returners," who had previously lived in the three areas, made up around one-fifth of those interviewed. They were less likely to be retired at the time of their move than other in-migrants and tended to be younger, with 44 per cent under the age of 35 (compared to 26 per cent for others). The majority of "returners" had moved back from other parts of the Highlands or Scotland.

The research also found that most in-migrants to rural areas carefully consider the practicalities of their move - scotching one popular myth. There was evidence of conscious trade-offs between the perceived advantages of rural lifestyle and those of urban living. To a large extent they knew about the facilities and services in the area before deciding to move.

Eighty per cent had connections with the area and for most the decision to move had been taken long before it actually took place. Half had holidayed regularly in the area before moving, many visiting the Highlands and Islands from childhood.

Only 20 per cent of those interviewed had no particular connection with the area before moving. The decision making for this group was largely employment-led.

The intrinsic characteristics and qualities of the Highlands and Islands - relative tranquillity, the environment, the scenery and for some the very remoteness itself - were the main motivating factors for moving. Economic activity was seen as less important - even among those of working age, only 37 per cent said they had moved because of work. Many, including "returners" would not have considered moving before retirement because of limited job opportunities.

Moving to a safe area with low crime also appears to be of increasing importance. This was mentioned by 27 per cent of those moving in the past four years, compared with only 13 per cent who moved between 15 and 20 years ago. It was considerably more important to those moving from outwith the HIE Network area and to those who had been part of a couple with children at the time of their move.

One in five respondents mentioned property issues as the main motivation, including wanting a different or larger home or to move to inherited property.

The study provides a new understanding of the image of the in-migrant population as being old or "pensioner-heavy." In-migrants are more likely to have taken early retirement and moved to the area soon after finishing work. Of the 33 per cent who were retired at the time of their move, three-quarters were under the age of 65 and one quarter under 54. Although less likely to be economically active, this group is more likely to be better off financially.

The incidence of self-employment is very high in the areas studied. At 17 per cent is more than twice the Scottish average and 50 per cent higher than the HIE Network area. In-migrants are equally likely as other members of their communities to be self-employed or have a part-time job (see fig 1).

Although further analysis of the findings is required, it appears the experience of the areas studied is a reflection of the HIE Network area as a whole. Economically active in-migrants tend to cluster around the main settlements and transport hubs. In the rural hinterland, in-migrants are much more likely to be retired, with some engaged in service-related employment and crofting/craft activities.

The majority of in-migrants claimed to feel welcome in the areas they had moved to were not aware of any absence of community spirit. There was some acknowledgement from those originating from further afield of a cultural divide and a resignation that this can be difficult or impossible to bridge, although little discomfort was expressed over the issue.

Among those interviewed there was an overwhelming level of satisfaction with their decision to move. The majority said they would make the same decision again and would recommend the area to others.

In general they identified a strong community spirit in the area and reported they were welcomed into the community and had no concerns about different aspects of social support from friends and neighbours.

Alastair Nicolson HIE's head of strategic research and planning, said: "Given the relevance of population change to economic, social and cultural development, it is very important to understand the demographics, characteristics and motivations of the migrant population.

"In addition and more importantly, it is necessary to understand the extent to which conditions that attract in-migrants can be replicated in other more vulnerable or fragile areas and the influence that the HIE Network and partner organisations may have in bringing that about."