Scots urged to fill in census on Census Day

People across Scotland are being urged to complete their census today on Census Day.

Every Scottish household must complete the census and the answers provide the information needed to make important decisions on funding for services such as education, housing and healthcare.

Census letters have been issued to more than 2.7 million households across the country, representing 5.5 million people.

Armed Forces veterans in particular are being urged to fill it in to help improve support, with the Scottish Census including a question for the first time about whether people have served in the Armed Forces.

It follows campaigning by Poppyscotland and The Royal British Legion.

Keith Brown MSP, the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans, said: "The inclusion of this question is important because it will help the Scottish Government and others develop a more complete picture than ever before of our veterans population in Scotland.

"This will help us as we continue to improve the provision of support for former Armed Forces personnel and their families.

"It will give a clearer insight into the ages and circumstances of veterans which can also help us decide where to focus support."

Mark Collins, the Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: "The significance of a question on veterans being added to the Census cannot be overstated.

"It will have a transformative effect on the way in which support for our Armed Forces community is shaped and delivered in the years ahead.

"In 2014, Poppyscotland undertook the largest ever survey of military veterans and their families and it estimated our Armed Forces community to be around 530,000 people.

"Since then, we have been calling on the Scottish Government to include a veterans’ question in the Census through our Count Them In campaign, so to see this included in the 2022 Census is a proud moment for Poppyscotland.

"Whether you did National Service in the 1950s or saw active duty more recently, or whether you served in a regular or reserve capacity, we urge all veterans to tick 'yes'."

You can find out more about the census on a website set up by the Scottish Government.