SNP minister demands control over migration is handed to Holyrood

Ben Macpherson says Scotland should have a tailored migration system

The Scottish Government has stepped up demands for control over immigration after new research found it will be vital to tackling a looming de-population timebomb in Scotland.

A report from the Expert Advisory Group on Migration and Population, commissioned by the Scottish Government, said immigration programmes were a 'swift and reliable’ way to increase the labour force.

It comes amid concerns about post-Brexit free movement curbs with the labour force in Scotland already expected to reduce by thousands over the next two decades.

“Older populations will require expanded social security, health and social care, implying both a higher fiscal burden and increased demand for goods and services," the report said.

“This will produce especially acute labour shortages in areas such as social and health care.”