S4M-01156 John Mason ♦ (Glasgow Shettleston) (Scottish National Party): That the Parliament welcomes reports from the National Register of Scotland that, after years of decline, Scotland’s population might have already reached a record high and that it could be 5.76 million by 2035; believes that an increased population is inherently a good thing for Glasgow and Scotland, leading to growth in the economy, the tax base, new businesses, employment opportunities, improved local services, public transport and the better use of currently derelict land in rural and urban environments; rejects those commentators who see both falling and rising population trends as negative, and would welcome positive planning in the coming years regarding the opportunities afforded to Scotland by the rising trend.