‘Scotland Connected’ completed its tour of the nation’s communities on Sunday as it visited the heart of Edinburgh on Census Day.
Created by the Edinburgh-based artist, Pilar Garcia de Leaniz, the artwork represents the fabric of Scotland, its people and the role of the census, an official count of everyone in Scotland which is used to plan vital public services and inform investment in areas such as education.
The census is a unique count of everyone in Scotland; it is used to plan vital public services and inform investment in areas such as education, transport, health and social care.
For the first time it is anticipated that the majority of census responses will be made online, with paper questionnaires available for those who wish to use them.
More than one million households had already completed Scotland’s Census 2022, ahead of Census Day on Sunday.
These households are making sure their contribution count when it comes to important services in their communities, from health and social care, to transport and education.
It’s essential that everyone in Scotland takes the time to fill in the census to ensure that every household is heard and their needs captured; it’s also a legal responsibility.
The artwork – which represents the fabric of Scotland, its people and the role of the census – was met by Pilar Garcia de Leaniz, the artist who designed it, and Registrar General and Chief Executive of National Records of Scotland (NRS), Paul Lowe.
Paul Lowe said: “To reach one million completed returns, ahead of Census Day on 20 March, is an amazing milestone. I want to thank everyone who has participated so far. I am delighted to see such a terrific response from the people of Scotland.
“The census only happens every ten years and its results will be important for generations to come. By taking a few minutes to answer questions about yourself, your household, and the place where you live, everyone plays a vital role in helping shape important services in your community, from the building of new schools and hospitals to improving transport links and understanding health needs.
“These one million households have ensured their voices have been heard. Make sure yours is too. It’s quick and easy to complete online, with paper forms available for those who need them.
“Help and support is available on our website census.gov.scot or via our free helpline 0800 030 8308.”
Pilar de Garcia Leaniz added: “It’s been great to see communities across the nation fill in the ‘Scotland Connected’ artwork and bring it to life. It’s inspired by the people of Scotland as well as the role of the census.
“I’m proud to have been part of this exciting project and hope it will continue to help encourage the nation to fill in the census”.
Census Day was 20 March but households have been able to complete their return since 28 February. Responses should reflect their circumstances on Census Day itself.
The census asks questions on a range of topics, including the types of accommodation people stay in, household relationships, age, sex, health and employment status.
New questions for the 2022 census include use of British Sign Language (BSL), passports held, previous armed forces history and new voluntary questions on sexual orientation and trans status.
Census letters have been issued to more than 2.7 million households representing 5.5 million people.
A census of the population has been taken every 10 years in Scotland since 1801, with the exception of 1941, because of World War Two and in 2021 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.
You can still complete online and on paper. For more information and to complete the census online, visit census.gov.scot
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