That the Parliament notes the further fall in the number births recorded in Scotland, according to the National Records of Scotland (NRS); understands that the NRS recorded 54,488 births in 2016, which represents a fall of 1.1% on the previous year and the lowest total figure since 2005; further understands that the number of deaths recorded, while down on last year at 56,728, represents the second-highest annual total since 2003; notes that this is the second year in a row in which there have been more deaths than births in Scotland; is grateful to those who have chosen to come and live in Scotland so that it has a growing population; considers that this highlights the need in Scotland for immigration to address the population shortfall, and welcomes the contribution of those coming to Scotland, which benefits Scottish society culturally, socially and economically.