Skye and Lochalsh Area Profile 1999
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2 SKYE AND LOCHALSH AREA PROFILE 1999 2.l Population - at June 1999 the population of Skye and Lochalsh was 12,170. Population had grown by over 4% during the previous decade. This is slightly lower than the Highland rate as a whole but represents a significant turn around in what had been a century of decline. Net in migration is a feature of this growth but there is also an increase in the 5-19 year age group reflecting an increase in school children. 2.2 Population Density - Skye and Lochalsh with an area of 2700 sq Km has a density of 4.5 persons per sq Km below the average for the Highlands. Sparsity of population is an important indicator of the problems of peripherality. The Special Programme agreed by the European Council of Ministers in March 1999 recognises low population density in the Highlands and Islands combined with low GDP as an issue requiring Structural Fund Support. 2.3 Population Age Structure - generally the area's population is older than the Highlands average with 42% over 45 years of age. 2.4 Employment - in 1999 3,470 males and 2,333 females in Skye and Lochalsh were economically active. This is lower than the Highland average reflecting a higher level of retired or inactive people. Generally as in other parts of the Highlands there has been an increase in part time employment, an increase in self employment and an increase in the number of females in the workforce. 2.5 Employment Structure - the service sectors (distribution, hotels and restaurants 36%; public sector 26%) dominate providing two thirds of the jobs in the area. Manufacturing is significantly less than the HIE average (4%) as is agriculture and fishing (2%) although this will not include self employed crofters and fishermen. Note the dependence on tourism with its strong seasonality of employment and lower pay structures. 2.6 Unemployment - in June 1998 unemployment in Skye and Lochalsh was 336 representing a fall of about 12% since the previous June. Within the area Lochalsh and Snizort have the highest unemployment levels. The number of persons unemployed long term has decreased substantially since 1996. In winter unemployment rises to 536 at December 1998. At 9.8% this is one of the highest winter rates in the Highlands. 2.7 Tourism - in 1998 occupancy rates in hotels and bed and breakfast showed a slight growth on 1997 despite bed night bookings through Tourist Information Centres being down. Skye and Lochalsh occupancy rates are higher than Highland average indicating the strength of the tourist sector and the fact that Skye has a very strong tourist brand identify. 2.8 Forecasts - population is projected to continue growing to reach 13,300 by the year 2006. It is also expected to age partly by immigration of people retiring, but there will be an overall increase in population of working age requiring 700 additional jobs over this period. The summer winter swings in unemployment will continue because of the strong influence of tourism. However, economic prospects are encouraging with a steady reduction in unemployment. 2.9 Commentary - these indications show significant signs of improvement in Skye and Lochalsh's condition since 1991. However, the area is still fragile with high levels of winter unemployment and dependence on tourist and the public sector. Agricultural prices (sheep) are not expected to return to the levels of the mid-1990's and the disease problems of aquaculture need to be carefully monitored. Economic diversification is important. It is also important to target action in the smaller more remote communities. The population changes also put stress on some of the basic infrastructure networks which now require capacity improvements. The development of the College at Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the strengthening of the ISDN network, and the value of the Skye brand are major opportunities for small business development. To go back to Table of Contents please use back button on your browser. |