May 2026 Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker
Think tank: The David Hume Institute
Author(s): Various authors
May 25, 2026
This report from UK think tank the David Hume Institute explores the results of their quarterly survey data collected just after the Scottish Parliament election.
The findings of the first Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker since the Scottish Parliament Election bring into focus the scale of the challenge facing the new MSPs. Despite growing confidence in the country’s direction, economic sentiment has plummeted, with the cost of living now the number one issue for the majority of Scots.
For the first time in nearly three years, the cost of living has overtaken the NHS as the single biggest concern facing Scots. Almost one in two (47%) now rank it among the top issues facing the country, according to the latest quarterly survey, conducted by Diffley Partnership on behalf of the David Hume Institute.
Public concern about the cost of everyday life has increased considerably in the year to date, with the 9% increase since November 2025 (37% to 48%) the sharpest increase of public concern for any issue since late 2021. By contrast, campaigning during the election period seems not to have had much impact in shaping Scots’ priorities.
