Over the last year, the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker, produced by the Diffley Partnership and David Hume Institute, has identified a shift in public concerns as well as rising economic unease.
The latest survey, conducted in May 2025, found that healthcare and the cost of living remain as the most pressing issues, cited by around a half (49%) and over a third (36%) of people, respectively. The next most cited issue is poverty (17%).
However, for the first time since the tracker began in October 2021, immigration has joined the top five public concerns. Immigration is now ranked as a top issue by 16% of Scots. The economy is also seen as a top issue by 16% of Scots.
Over the past 12 months, the quarterly tracker has identified a steady growth in those citing immigration as one of their top issues, up six percentage points since May 2024.
The top five priorities listed by survey respondents are:
- Healthcare 49%
- Cost of living 36%
- Poverty 17%
- Immigration 16%
- Economy 16%
The Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker surveys Scots every quarter to measure behaviours and attitudes towards society, the economy and the environment.
The second edition of 2025 has found nearly 60% of Scots now believe that Scotland is heading in the wrong direction, a significant increase from earlier this year.
At the same time, 70% of respondents say economic conditions have worsened compared to a year ago, and almost half (49%) say their own financial situation has deteriorated over the same period. This mounting pessimism is further underscored by expectations for the year ahead, with seven in ten Scots anticipating that economic conditions will continue to decline.
Half of Scots report scaling back discretionary expenses, and nearly half are conserving energy at home. Alarmingly, one in five people cannot cover a £100 emergency without borrowing money, a figure that jumps to 44% when considering a £500 expense.
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, at the Diffley Partnership said:
“Over the last 12 months we have been seeing a shift in public concerns as economic anxiety continues to grow across Scotland.
“For the first time in four years immigration has joined healthcare and the cost of living as one of the key issues for Scots.
“As the 2026 Scottish Parliament election approaches, political parties will be tracking voter sentiment towards those issues that are causing concern for voters. Meanwhile, voters will be looking for politicians to offer solutions that address the immediate economic challenges and improve financial stability across the country.”
Susan Murray from the David Hume Institute said:
“These findings confirm too many Scots are struggling, unable to absorb even small financial shocks. This doesn’t just harm their wellbeing, it undermines our collective economic potential.
A resilient economy needs more financially secure households. The majority of the public clearly understand this connection with strong support for fair wages and a robust safety net. Sadly despite some economic indicators beginning to change, few Scots can see any light at the end of the tunnel.
It is not surprising to see immigration entering the top concerns for the first time, given all the media attention. But with an ageing population and falling birth rate, Scotland needs immigration to support our work force – for those equally concerned about the economy and healthcare we need a better plan for how to square the circle.”
