WESTERN Isles council is calling for action to deal with population decline in the Outer Hebrides.
Projections in 2014 showed a 13.7 per cent decline in population, taking the number of people living in the Outer Hebrides from 27,250 in 2014 to 23,515 in 2039.
It is estimated there will be a 28 per cent decline in the 0-15 year age group, the largest decline in Scotland, a 21 per cent decline in the working age population and an 11 per cent increase in those of pensionable age.