By Giuseppe De Santis
The Highland Council is the largest council by land area not only in Scotland but also in the entire United Kingdom. It is predominantly a rural region with a declining population.
Figures released last year indicated an 18% decrease in population in Mallaig and a 17% decline in Kinlochleven between 2003 and 2020. The Highland Council has warned that the remaining residents are ageing, with a 60.6% increase in the number of people over 75 years old between 2001 and 2021.
Furthermore, the number of children aged between 0 and 15 years has decreased by nearly 7% during the same period. It is projected that the number of secondary school places will decline by 12.5% over the next 15 years.
Numerous studies have examined the relationship between class size (pupil-to-teacher ratio) and educational attainment. A review of these studies indicates that class size does have some impact on achievement and behaviour, especially in younger pupils. Therefore, it may be better for pupils if a teacher has fewer pupils in their classes.
Nevertheless, council officials want to address the issue of a population decrease by campaigning to be granted ‘council of sanctuary’ status to welcome hordes of migrants supposedly fleeing persecution from countries such as Ukraine and Syria.
A recent internal report indicates that the council plans to implement additional resettlement schemes for refugees fleeing conflict abroad.
A spokesperson for the council stated that the Highlands authority will continue discussions with the Scottish umbrella organisation for local authorities on “how humanitarian and resettlement programs can be effectively delivered in the upcoming months.“
The report highlighted the positive integration of Ukrainian, Syrian, and Afghan migrants into several Scottish towns, including Alness, Lochaber, and Dingwall. It suggests that these migrants have “resettled very successfully and received strong support from community groups.”
The report also noted that Highland Council has a strong history of supporting refugees and has welcomed families fleeing war in their home countries to resettle in the area in recent years.
Politicians and council officials often argue that immigrants and refugees are necessary to replace the ageing population. However, this perspective overlooks the fact that these newcomers will eventually grow old themselves. As a result, bringing in more people will not solve the issue; it will merely replace the native population.
If the declining population is the real issue, perhaps there should be a program to attract native Scots who are facing hardships, as there are many in this situation. It’s crucial to consider alternative solutions rather than solely focusing on immigration. Unfortunately, the main political parties tend to overlook common-sense solutions, focusing instead on replacing British people with immigrants from developing countries.
Conservative, Labour Lib Dems, Reform UK, SNP, Greens, and Plaid, are all in favour of more immigration into the UK. It’s time for a serious anti-immigration alternative – The British Democrats!
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