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.
As Scotland continues to grapple with economic uncertainty, the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker remains a vital tool for capturing how people are experiencing and interpreting the nations’s shifting landscape. This latest wave reveals a public still deeply concerned about the future, but with subtle signs of stabilisation in how current conditions are perceived.
Healthcare and the cost of living continue to dominate public priorities, yet the rise of immigration to third place marks a notable shift in public focus. This steady increase in salience over the past two years reflects evolving social pressures and a reordering of national concerns.
While pessimism about the future remains entrenched – seven in ten expect general economic conditions to worsen – fewer Scots now report that their personal or national financial circumstances have deteriorated in the past year. This marginal improvement, however, is tempered by the persistence of cost-cutting behaviours and the growing emotional toll of financial stress. Reductions in non-essential spending and reported impacts on mental health have both increased since May, underscoring the depth of ongoing strain.
Economic pressures continue to shape everyday choices, particularly around food. Many Scots are adjusting their eating habits to manage rising costs, cutting back on takeaways, prioritising price over health, and in some cases, compromising on nutrition. These behaviours are more visible among households with children and those in more deprived areas, highlighting how financial strain is influencing not just spending, but wellbeing.
Reported saving behaviours reflect both caution and constraint. Many Scots are saving out of anxiety about the economy or job security, while over a third say their income only covers essentials. Younger Scots, in particular, are navigating a mix of ambition and uncertainty, planning for the future while contending with immediate financial pressures.
Taken together, these findings reflect a public continuing to adapt to economic challenges with pragmatism and caution. While some indicators show marginal improvement, concerns remain widespread and deeply felt. As public priorities evolve and financial behaviours shift, the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker remains a valuable resource for capturing how Scots are responding to the realities of economic life.
