Dear Delphine,

Compliance review of mid-year population estimates for Scotland

We have completed our compliance review of mid-year population estimates for Scotland produced by National Records of Scotland (NRS) against the standards of the Code of Practice for Statistics (the Code). These statistics are currently published as accredited official statistics. Our review considered whether these statistics continue to meet the standards of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value.

Based on the findings of our review, we conclude that NRS’s mid-year population estimates continue to meet the standards of the Code and should retain their accredited official statistics status. NRS provides clear statistical outputs and methodological information. Users expressed confidence in the quality and value of these statistics across a range of uses. NRS is also taking positive steps to consider its broader statistical portfolio through its public engagement activity, supporting transparency in its decision making.

The review also identifies areas where further action is needed. We have made seven recommendations that aim to address these, including updating published quality assurance information, investigating internal migration movements and the scale of potential underestimation of moves by young adults, and improving the communication of uncertainty.

OSR expects NRS to share a public update on its progress to meet the recommendations at the time of its next planned MYE release in summer 2027. I am grateful for the constructive engagement of the NRS team throughout this review.

Yours sincerely

Dr Anna Price
Head of Regulatory Compliance for OSR