Scotland, United Kingdom: List of the Largest Cities by Population

A majestic landscape on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, on a clear summer day. In the foreground, a serene bay with crystal-clear turquoise waters, dotted with sailing boats and kayaks. In the middle ground, rolling green hills and rugged cliffs, their slopes adorned with vibrant wildflowers. In the background, the iconic peaks of the Hebrides mountains, their snow-capped summits shimmering under the warm, golden sunlight. The scene exudes a sense of tranquility and natural wonder, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the magic and beauty of this enchanting Scottish island.

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1. Glasgow – 632,000
Scotland’s largest built‑up area; cultural powerhouse with historic shipbuilding and vibrant arts.


2. Edinburgh – 523,000
The capital city; famous for Old Town, festivals, universities and government institutions.


3. Aberdeen – 199,000
Northeast energy and port hub; known for oil industries and granite architecture.


4. Dundee – 148,000
River Tay city evolving as a technology and design centre, home to V&A Dundee.


5. Paisley – 79,400
Renfrewshire’s largest town; famed for its textile heritage and university campus.


6. East Kilbride – 76,600
Scotland’s first post‑war new town; significant suburban centre south of Glasgow.


7. Livingston – 55,800
Retail and commuter hub in West Lothian, part of the Edinburgh‑Glasgow corridor.


8. Dunfermline – 55,000
Former capital of Scotland in Fife; historic abbey and growing commercial base.


9. Hamilton – 53,200
Clyde Valley town in South Lanarkshire; service, sports, and retail centre.


10. Kirkcaldy & Dysart – 51,100
Fife coastal town; known historically for linoleum production and harbour services.


11. Cumbernauld – 50,500
Post‑war new town north-east of Glasgow; residential and light industry base.


12. Inverness – 47,800
Capital of the Highlands; gateway to Loch Ness and regional events.


13. Perth – 47,400
Historic city on the River Tay; service and tourism hub for Perthshire.


14. Kilmarnock – 46,970
Largest town in East Ayrshire; renowned for whisky heritage and engineering roots.


15. Ayr – 46,260
South Ayrshire coastal town; noted for Robert Burns connections and golf links.


16. Coatbridge & Airdrie – 45,000
North Lanarkshire twin localities forming a major urban cluster near Glasgow.


17. Stirling – 37,900
Historic city in the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’; famous castle and university.


18. Falkirk – 32,400
Central belt town with iconic Falkirk Wheel and industry heritage.


19. Greenock – 29,500
Coastal port town in Inverclyde with maritime heritage and retail centre.


20. Elgin – 24,600
Moray town in the North; regional service centre with cathedral ruins and whisky tourism.

The above is subject to change.

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