Majority of Scots Now Identify as Non-Religious
The 2022 Scottish census reveals that 51% of the population identify as having no religion, a significant increase from 36.7% in 2011. The Church of Scotland has seen a notable decline, with only 20.4% claiming affiliation in 2022, down from 32.4% in 2011. Population growth is mainly due to inward migration, offsetting the fall in the number of people born in Scotland.
The 2022 Scottish census reveals that 51% of the population identify as having no religion, a significant increase from 36.7% in 2011.
The Church of Scotland has seen a notable decline, with only 20.4% claiming affiliation in 2022, down from 32.4% in 2011.
Catholicism also saw a drop from 15.9% to 13.3% over the same period.
Fraser Sutherland of Humanist Society Scotland noted that the data supports the growing secular trend, suggesting changes in the role of churches in public institutions.
Ethnic diversity has also increased, with 13% identifying as from a minority ethnic background, up from 8.2% in 2011.
The census highlighted that population growth is mainly due to inward migration, offsetting the fall in the number of people born in Scotland.
The Church of Scotland has seen a notable decline, with only 20.4% claiming affiliation in 2022, down from 32.4% in 2011.
Catholicism also saw a drop from 15.9% to 13.3% over the same period.
Fraser Sutherland of Humanist Society Scotland noted that the data supports the growing secular trend, suggesting changes in the role of churches in public institutions.
Ethnic diversity has also increased, with 13% identifying as from a minority ethnic background, up from 8.2% in 2011.
The census highlighted that population growth is mainly due to inward migration, offsetting the fall in the number of people born in Scotland.
