THE population of Clackmannanshire is set to fall below 50,000 between now and 2039, according to statistics from the National Records of Scotland.

The number of residents will drop by three per cent, or approximately 1,500 people, in the next 23 years, it is predicted.

Eilean Siar and Inverclyde are expected to be the places worst hit by depopulation in Scotland.

Like every place in the country, the Wee County has an ageing population – although it is growing more rapidly in Clackmannanshire than in almost all other local authority areas.

The number of people aged 75 and over is estimated to grow by 112 per cent with only West Lothian having a bigger rise at 131 per cent.

The Scottish average is 85 per cent. The population of Scotland as a whole is set to rise and more residents are expected to be living in the area served by NHS Forth Valley by 2039.

With people living longer there will be extra strain put on health and care services and the local NHS is preparing for the challenges that will bring.

A spokesperson said: “NHS Forth Valley’s population is set to grow and more people are expected to live for longer periods of time with health conditions like dementia, arthritis and diabetes which require ongoing support.

“Our new healthcare strategy, Shaping the Future, takes account of these changes and sets out our plans and priorities for the future to ensure we are able to keep pace with rising demand and meet the future needs of local people.

“This includes plans to deliver more care closer to home, reduce hospital admissions and provide better planned, more co-ordinated care for vulnerable patients with complex needs.”

“Our new healthcare strategy also has a strong focus on prevention, reducing delays and helping people to take more responsibility for managing and improving their own health with the right information and support.”

These projections are based on past trends.

Factors which have not been taken in to account include changes that may occur due to future policy initiatives or how the vote to leave the European Union could affect migration.