THE Scottish government has published proposals for a distinct visa system in Scotland, saying immigration is “critical” to fill skills gaps areas where the population is falling.

Immigration rules are reserved to Westminster, but the SNP’s Business Minister Tom Arthur has set out proposals in a new policy paper.

This includes plans for a Scottish visa, a rural visa and Scottish graduate visa to address the needs of different sectors.

He highlighted the UK government’s closure of the adult social care visa route, saying it had created workforce shortages.

Mr Arthur said: “Mirroring a trend in many countries throughout the world, Scotland has an ageing population and areas where the population is falling.

“This makes immigration ever more critical in ensuring we have working-age people to fill skills gaps, sustain public services, support communities and grow the economy.”

He continued: “A migration system designed around UK-wide averages, which is what we have now, cannot adequately respond to Scotland’s demographic and geographic circumstances.”