Scotland’s communities reflect centuries of migration, distinct histories and shifting population patterns across cities, Highlands and islands. Understanding the different groups helps make sense of local cultures, services and demographic trends.
There are 16 Scotland Ethnic Groups, ranging from Arab to White Scottish. For each group the data are organized by Population (2022) (persons),Share (%),Main areas so you can compare size, proportion and geographic concentration — you’ll find below.
How recent is the population data and where does it come from?
The figures use 2022 population counts and official estimates that give a recent snapshot of ethnic breakdowns; for exact collection methods, categories and any rounding it’s best to check the National Records of Scotland or the data source linked with the list.
What does “Main areas” mean in the table?
“Main areas” highlights the counties, council areas or cities where each ethnic group is most concentrated, helping you see regional patterns rather than just raw numbers; consult the notes for how those areas were defined.
Scotland Ethnic Groups
| Ethnic group | Population (2022) (persons) | Share (%) | Main areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Scottish | 4,458,400 | 82.0 | Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire, Highlands |
| Other White British | 434,900 | 8.0 | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Central Belt |
| White Irish | 54,400 | 1.0 | Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, Dundee |
| Other White | 217,500 | 4.0 | Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Stirling |
| White Polish | 80,000 | 1.5 | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee |
| Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups | 43,500 | 0.8 | Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen |
| Asian — Indian | 38,100 | 0.7 | Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen |
| Asian — Pakistani | 27,200 | 0.5 | Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen |
| Asian — Chinese | 32,600 | 0.6 | Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen |
| Asian — Bangladeshi | 5,400 | 0.1 | Glasgow, Edinburgh |
| Other Asian | 21,700 | 0.4 | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen |
| Black — African | 38,100 | 0.7 | Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen |
| Black — Caribbean | 5,400 | 0.1 | Glasgow, Edinburgh |
| Other Black | 5,400 | 0.1 | Glasgow, Edinburgh |
| Arab | 5,400 | 0.1 | Glasgow, Edinburgh |
| Gypsy/Traveller | 1,600 | 0.0 | Highlands, Dumfries & Galloway, Central Belt |
Images and Descriptions
White Scottish
People identifying as ethnically Scottish of White heritage; the largest ethnic group, rooted in Scotland’s indigenous and historic population with strong presence across urban and rural areas.
Other White British
White people identifying as British (not Scottish); includes English, Welsh and Northern Irish heritage living across Scotland, common in cities and commuter areas.
White Irish
People of Irish ethnic heritage, many families settled during 19th–20th century migrations; visible communities especially in Glasgow and parts of central Scotland.
Other White
White people of non-British/Irish European origin and other white backgrounds, including EU nationals and long-term European migrant communities.
White Polish
Polish-born and Polish-heritage residents who arrived in waves since EU accession and earlier; active cultural presence with shops, churches and community groups.
Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups
Residents identifying with two or more ethnic backgrounds, reflecting growing diversity and mixed-heritage families across Scotland’s urban areas.
Asian — Indian
People of Indian heritage, including families from South Asia and East Africa; notable presence in cities with cultural, religious and business contributions.
Asian — Pakistani
People of Pakistani heritage, with multi-generation communities mainly in Glasgow and parts of the east coast; visible in commerce and cultural life.
Asian — Chinese
Chinese-heritage residents including students, migrants and long-established families; concentrated around universities and city centre businesses.
Asian — Bangladeshi
Smaller Bangladeshi community, often urban-based, contributing to Scotland’s cultural and food scenes.
Other Asian
Includes people of other Asian backgrounds (e.g., Sri Lankan, Filipino, Nepali); diverse migrant communities living and working in Scottish cities.
Black — African
People of African heritage (Nigerian, Somali, Ghanaian, etc.); communities concentrated in cities with growing cultural and business presence.
Black — Caribbean
Smaller Caribbean-heritage population, many families arrived mid-20th century; contribute to Scotland’s music, sport and cultural life.
Other Black
Black residents not captured by African or Caribbean labels, including mixed Black backgrounds and smaller national groups in urban areas.
Arab
People of Arab heritage from Middle Eastern and North African countries; present in cities with growing communities and businesses.
Gypsy/Traveller
Ethnic groups with distinct nomadic traditions and cultural identity in Scotland, recognised as an ethnic group with small but established communities.
