Peripheral counter-urbanization: Findings from an integration of census and survey data in Northern Scotland

Abstract

Jones H., Caird J., Berry W. and Dewhurst J. (1986) Peripheral counter-urbanization: findings from an integration of census and survey data in Northern Scotland, Reg. Studies 20, 15–26. This paper systematically relates local suryey data to national census data in an investigation of one peripheral form of counter-urbanization now regarded as widely present in developed countries. The recent growth and spatial distribution of long-distance English migration to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is described, and then ‘explained’ through multivariate analysis of cross-sectional data and through the stated motivations and characteristics of surveyed migrants to some of the remoter, rural parts of the region. The study reveals the importance of environmental and quality of life considerations.