This edition of Understanding Scotland brings you insights from over 2,000 members of the adult (16+) Scottish public on the most important aspects of our society and economy.
The findings from February 2026 offer a detailed and timely snapshot of how Scots assess the nation’s direction of travel, their own financial circumstances and the issues they believe should shape the campaign in the months ahead.
Across multiple indicators, this wave points to a modest easing of the deep pessimism that characterised much of the previous two years. Fewer people now say that the economy has worsened, and expectations for the year ahead, while still negative overall, are less bleak than before.
Personal financial assessments follow the same pattern, with more Scots reporting stability and fewer anticipating further deterioration. These changes do not signal a return to optimism, but they do suggest that the period of acute uncertainty and financial strain may be beginning to stabilise.
At the same time, the pressures of everyday life remain central to how people view both the economy and public policy. Healthcare and the cost of living continue to dominate national and local priorities, and the rising salience of immigration, now firmly established as the third-ranked issue, adds a further dimension to the pre-election landscape. Expectations of rising essential costs, particularly food, utilities and housing, underline the financial constraints still facing many households. Meanwhile, the majority of Scots continue to adapt their behaviour in response to money worries, with notable impacts on wellbeing, mental health and day-to-day consumption.
These findings also reaffirm a broader message that has been consistent throughout the Understanding Scotland series. Public confidence in the current economic model remains low, with only small minorities believing that the economy works for most people or for themselves.
As the country approaches an important electoral choice, this wave of the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker provides a clear account of the public mood. It highlights the issues that matter most to voters, offers insight into their expectations for the year ahead and underscores the continued importance of building an economic model that delivers tangible and equitable improvements in people’s lives.
