Scottish births continue to rise

There were 15,520 babies born in the third quarter of 2008

The birth rate in Scotland is continuing to rise, according to the latest official statistics.

Some 15,520 babies were born during the third quarter of 2008, representing a 4% increase on the same period in 2007.

The General Register Office for Scotland also recorded fewer marriages and civil marriages compared with the same period last year.

Deaths due to cancer and heart disease fell, but stroke deaths rose. Overall, the death rate was largely unchanged.

Registrar General for Scotland Duncan Macniven said: "Though we should not make too much of a single quarter, there were around 600 more births in the third quarter of this year than in 2007 - resulting in the highest number registered in the third quarter for 13 years.

"Taking the first three quarters together, there were around 2,100 more births than in the same period of 2007."

Stroke deaths

The registrar general was speaking as he published provisional figures for births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships registered between 1 July and 30 September.

A total of 11,892 marriages took place, compared with 12,610 in the same period in 2007.

Civil partnerships were also down, from 245 (119 male and 126 female) last year to 195 (83 male and 112 female) this year.

There were 12,625 deaths, 11 more than in the same period of 2007. Deaths from cancer and coronary heart disease fell by 1.2% and 8.6% respectively. However, stroke deaths rose by 5.5%.

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