When did the Asian community come to Scotland?
Asian people began moving to Scotland in the 18th century. Indian seamen were hired as cheap labour by Scottish ships. Many became stranded in Scottish ports when they couldn't get a voyage back home and so small communities started to form.
Later, in the 1920's people from Asia had begun to settle in Scotland as economic migrants, who were seeking a better way of life. Today, the Asian community in Scotland is made up of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese and other South Asian groups. Over 70% of the total minority ethnic population is Asian.
Asian communities in Scotland
The National Records of Scotland (NRS) – previously General Register office for Scotland (GROS) - is taking a census of Scotland’s population every ten years. The publication of the statistical data and information of the “Census 2011” is planned for autumn 2012.
Here’s some facts from the 2001 Census about the Asian community in Scotland.
- Out of all the ethnic groups, Pakistani and Indian people are most likely to own their own home.
- 47% of Pakistanis were born in Scotland.
- Almost all children of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Chinese parents are given the same ethnicity as their parents.
- Indian and Pakistani families form the most multi-family households.
- Most Asian households live in urban areas.
- The Chinese population has one of the highest numbers of full-time students in Scotland. Asian communities have high levels of self-employment.
- 98% of Chinese people are in good health.
- Sikhism is the most common faith among Indian people, followed by Hinduism.
- Most Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are Muslim.
- 63% of Chinese people have “no current religion”.
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