Population first for Forth Valley

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The number of people living in Stirling, Clackmannanshire and Falkirk has reached record levels, according to the latest statistics.

Clackmannanshire, Scotland's smallest council area, saw its population rise by a record 2% to 49,900.

In Falkirk the figure moved beyond 150,000 for the first time, increasing by 1040 on 2006 levels.

Stirling's 88,190 population rose by 0.4%, with 39 more births than deaths and 358 people moving to the city.

The figures were released by the Scottish Government and were reflective of increases seen across the country.

Despite the credit crunch, the Wee County also reported the highest rate of new housing developments in Scotland.

A total of 450 new homes were built in 2006 and a further 384 in 2007. That figure compares with just 187 new homes in 2000.

'Extremely encouraging'

The area's popularity is also being boosted by the reopening of the Alloa rail line earlier this year.

Local councillor Eddie Carrick, said: "Clackmannanshire, along with the rest of Scotland, suffered from a population decline in the 1990s.

"Thankfully we turned that corner a few years ago and this latest, incredibly positive, population estimate shows that Clackmannanshire is well and truly open for business."

In Falkirk, the local authority said the population increase was largely down to migration.

In 2007, almost 4,500 people moved into the area from other parts of Scotland and the UK.

Council leader Linda Gow said: "The figures are extremely encouraging and demonstrate that Falkirk is seen as a place to work, live and enjoy."