COUNCIL officials continue to work to attract people of working age to Argyll and Bute, after it was reported that more than one in four current residents are aged 65 and over.
Recent data published in the 2022 census showed that the area had the largest population in that age range at 27.2 per cent, compared with all other Scottish council areas.
Councillors queried when a “tipping point” could be reached, with an official assuring that work is not being done “in isolation” to address depopulation.
The discussion took place at a meeting of the council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee on Thursday, December 18.
Councillor Andrew Kain (Independent, Oban South and the Isles) said: “There is a lot of good work here, but some things cause me concern, like the age demographic of Argyll and Bute where 27 per cent is 65 or over.
“Has there been any work done on when we reach the tipping point of the population decline, where communities become unsustainable?
“Should this report not also feed into every other report and influence other pieces of work being done, particularly on housing and economic development?”
Fergus Murray, the council’s head of economic development, responded: “It is a very difficult matter to judge when communities reach a tipping point in terms of the modern economy.
“But there are significant issues if there are not enough workers within the community to do supply the key facilities people want, like childcare and home care.
“It does feed into the work we are doing through the economic and housing strategies, and the local development plan. The work is not done in isolation, there has to be a holistic approach and it needs to feed into these strategies.
“If there is a real issue, we have to inform colleagues and see what we can do to solve it. Please be assured that the work is not being done in isolation and it does inform our strategies.”
Councillor William Sinclair (Liberal Democrat, Cowal) then asked: “I have seen a number of houses in the last four or five years, sold to people who are retiring to Argyll and Bute.
“How much of that is an influence on these figures? I see it happening a huge amount of the time at the present moment.”
Mr Murray said: “Argyll and Bute has always been a popular place for people to go into the third stage of their lives – not always retiring, but it is a good place for that. I welcome people who are active in our area.
“Our challenge is to make the area more attractive for people of working age, and that takes a whole range of different activities.
“Employment opportunity is one, affordable housing options are another, and transport connectivity is another.
“If we can address these key areas, we will have more success. That has always been the challenge for Argyll and Bute.”
