Population levels in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire rose faster than the national average last year.

Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that, from mid-2015 to the end of June 2016, the population of East Renfrewshire increased by 0.94 per cent, while the number of Renfrewshire residents went up by 0.8 per cent.

In Scotland as a whole, the population increased by 0.6 per cent, to a record high of 5,404,700.

The report also highlighted the fact that the population is ageing.

In mid-2016, the population in East Renfrewshire was 93,810, including 928 over the age of 90.

In Renfrewshire, the population was 175,930, including 1,296 aged 90 or over.

The average age of people living in both regions is 43 - higher than the national average of 41.

Renfrewshire is also one of the most densely populated areas in Scotland, with 673 people per square kilometre. There are 538 people in East Renfrewshire per square km, while the figure for Scotland is just 69.

East Renfrewshire’s population has jumped by 4.5 per cent over the past decade, with a 2.7 per cent increase seen in Renfrewshire.

Alistair Currie, head of campaigns at Population Matters, said: “More people means more pressure on everything, from our food to our housing."

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson added: “Our Local Housing Strategy and Local Development Plan reflect plans to support the increasing population. This includes plans to maximise the supply of private and affordable housing that will be accessible and adaptable to meet the changing needs of our residents.”

A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "We are putting in place the conditions for growth in a way which builds on the best of the area’s traditions while positioning Renfrewshire as a community and economy that is ready to meet future challenges.”