Ake I think the figure is one in ten who were born elsewhere in the UK. The figure for born in England is 9% so yes most of those who were born elsewhere in the UK. I too live in an area where there are a very high percentage of English born people and yes some are elderly. Not sure if there are figures as to how many are retired compared with the host population or not but you could be right in saying they are more elderly. Not sure! However I don't think they only come because of monetary reasons - though no doubt it helps. Most who come seem to have a history of visiting Scotland and come because they love the place. At least that is what I've found. And of course, I'm talking about here in the Borders, they do contribute to society. Many of the retired incomers seem to be pretty well off and they spend as everyone else does and many will still be taxpayers anyway. They also add to rural life etc and often get stuck into local clubs and associations. So I'd say yes they are valued. Another group we have a great many of in the Borders is the returning retiring Scot. Often people from the central belt and further north who have lived and worked in England for decades. They look to come back to Scotland in retirement and find the Borders the best base because they are nearer to their families down south. Sometimes even the younger families then follow them up! We were worrying about depopulation until little more than a decade and a half ago so I don't think we should be worrying too much about people coming in. Yes we need younger people too but I don't think we can write off the retired as just being a burden!