The deadline to complete the census has been extended by four weeks amid concerns over the number of people who have yet to fill in their form.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show that, by April 25, two million household in Scotland had completed the forms but 700,000 households had still to return them.

The survey, which takes place once every decade to gauge the demographics of the country and guide the future of public services, had been due to close on May 1.

However, the deadline has now been pushed back to the end of this month.

It is a legal requirement to complete the census and anyone who fails to do so could face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, has suggested factors such as the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war may have distracted some households from completing the survey but said a high response rate is needed.

He added: “The National Records of Scotland will now continue to accept census returns until the end of May.”

For more, call 0800 030 8308 or visit census.gov.scot.