This dataset does not contain any sensitive or personal information.

The migration estimates undergo quality assurance at each stage of production. NRS also have processes in place to quality assure the administrative sources used in the production of migration estimates. Further information on the quality assurance of the migration estimates can be found in the Mid-year Population Estimates Methodology Guide on the National Records of Scotland (NRS) website.

Internal (i.e. within UK) migration estimates are based on General Practitioner (GP) registrations and are considered reasonably accurate for most groups. They may be less accurate for some groups such as young men, as they tend not to register with a GP immediately on moving.

International migration estimates are based largely on the International Passenger Survey. However the number of migrant contacts for Scotland is very small and there is a significant degree of uncertainty surrounding the estimates, due to the size of the sample.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a significant disruption to international travel, and in turn migration flows and patterns will have been affected. In addition, some data sources have been impacted by the pandemic. Overseas migration previously used the IPS as the main source of data for measuring Long Term International Migration (LTIM) at Scotland level. However, in March 2020 the IPS was suspended due to the pandemic. Overseas migration for March to June 2020 has been modelled using alternative data sources. More information on the methodology can be found on the [Office for National Statistics website] (https://www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/methodologicalpublications/generalmethodology/onsworkingpaperseries/usingstatisticalmodellingtoestimateukinternationalmigration).

The statistics are designed to be consistent, and incorporate comparable historical data where appropriate.

The internal and international migration estimates are comparable with those from the rest of the UK. The United Nations (UN) definition of an international migrant (someone that changes country of residence for 12 months or more) is used and so international migration estimates should be comparable with other countries.

It is the policy of the National Records of Scotland to make its website and products accessible according to published guidelines. More information is available in the Accessibility section of the NRS website.

Migration is a key component of population change, so these estimates have a wide range of users including National and Local Government, health service providers, the third sector and commercial organisations.

The estimates refer to the population as at 30 June each year. The migration estimates for Scotland, council areas and health board areas are published ten months after this data.

Revisions and corrections to previously published statistics are dealt with in accordance with the Scottish Government Statistician Group corporate policy statement on revisions and corrections - a copy of which is available on the Scottish Government website.

The mid-year population estimates for 2002 to 2010 were revised following the 2011 Census and were published in December 2013. Overseas and total net migration was revised for Scotland, NHS Board and Council areas.

The mid-year population estimates for 2012 to 2014 were corrected following an error in the age distribution of migrants uncovered in 2015. Overseas, rest of UK and within Scotland migration figures were corrected for Scotland, NHS Board and Council areas.