Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker – February 2026
Think tank: The David Hume Institute
Author(s): The David Hume Institute
February 25, 2026
This report from UK think tank The David Hume Institute looks at the economic outlook for Scots.
Scots feel marginally less pessimistic about the country’s economy, but pressure on spending remains.
Nearly half of Scottish voters say healthcare is one of the most important issues facing Scotland, followed closely by the cost of living, according to the latest Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker.
The final wave of the survey before the May election, published by the Diffley Partnership and the David Hume Institute, found around half (48%) of Scots say that healthcare and NHS is a top priority, while more than two in five (43%) said the cost of living and inflation, the biggest rise in concern this wave, up five points.
