Caribbean Community in Scotland

The Caribbean community in Scotland is one of the smallest minority ethnic communities, with around 1,700 people.

More than half of the Caribbean community were born in England and Scotland. The rest of the population were born in the Caribbean, the West Indies, Jamaica and South America.

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 Caribbean community for you to look at. 

• The number of Caribbean people who are working (i.e. not unemployed) is very high – similar to the number of White people.
• The majority of Caribbean people work in professional and technical occupations. 
• Christianity is the most common religion of the Caribbean community, although a fairly high number say they have no religion. 
• Just over half the Caribbean population in Scotland live in large urban areas like big towns and cities. 
• Food is really important to the Caribbean culture and music has a big influence too – the Notting Hill Carnival in London is a huge Caribbean music and dance festival, and Bob Marley is probably the most famous Caribbean musician.