19 September 2025

Whilst Christianity remains the largest religious group in Scotland, numbers have fallen dramatically from 54% of the population in 2011 to 38.8% in 2022. The biggest change has been the rise in people declaring that they are not affiliated to any religion. This number has grown from 27.5% in 2001 to 51.1% in 2022!

Analysing these figures reveals a decrease in religious affiliation across all age groups. It is particularly marked amongst younger people and men but it has become a national characteristic. Most people in Scotland do not subscribe to any religion.

There has been a shift away from organised religion. The increases in the number of Muslims and Hindus are small but they are rising e.g. Muslims have risen from 0.3% of the population in 2011 to 1.4% in 2022. Interestingly, a new category was introduced in 2022 – Pagans.

The number of people affiliated with paganism was 0.4% of the population. This  is higher than the number of Jews at 0.1% and lower than the number of Hindus at 0.6%. Some 20,000 people have declared themselves to be pagans.

By virtue of including this category in the national census, the number of pagans are becoming increasingly more visible in our nation and, indeed, throughout Europe. Of all the different types of paganism, Norse Paganism is the most popular. Why is this happening?

Since the sixties, there have been cultural challenges to the status quo. People became much more aware of the Eastern religions and were introduced to their panoply of gods and goddesses. The global focus on the environment has attracted people to ancient stones, trees and rivers and ancient myths and mythologies!

The ancient stone circles are mysterious but they do not readily give up their secrets. The actions of the gods are not supported by historical evidence. Ancient ritual associated with the agricultural year attract people to embrace the natural world and outdoor religion.

None of this compares favourably with Christianity which is centred on an historical person for whom there is more evidence than for Julius Caesar. The historical record contains unsearchable riches and a wisdom which surpasses a lifetime’s reflection. The continued existence of the Church is the most vital witness to the miracle of Christ’s life, death and resurrection!