The Pulse of Scotland

Curious about how Scotland is doing? Since 2017, ScotPulse has been checking in with Scots, asking about their finances, job security, safety, happiness, and hopes for the future. 

The latest research was carried out in October 2025. 

What did we ask?

1. How happy are you just now?
2. How secure do you feel in your job?
3. How safe do you feel in your local area?
4. Compared to last year, how do you think your financial situation is?
5. How positive do you feel about Scotland's future?

Changes to happiness over recent years

After falling to its lowest level since February 2022 in the last wave (March 2025), happiness has now increased to its highest levels since 2023 as we approach the end of 2025.
 

happiness has increased to its highest levels since 2023 as we approach the end of 2025.

happiness has increased to its highest levels since 2023 as we approach the end of 2025.

Job security by demographics

Women continue to have higher perceived job security than men in October 2025 (7.88 v s 7.29 respectively). Job security is perceived lowest among those aged 45-54, while highest among older age groups.

Changes to personal finances since the cost of living crisis

After hitting an all time low in February 2022, followed by some modest increases, confidence in personal finances has dropped again slightly to 5.93/10.

Positivity about the country's future over time

Sentiment on Scotland’s future continues to improve as it has done since hitting its lowest level in February 2024. 

16-34s have gone from the least to the most confident age group with regards to Scotland’s future, scoring on average 5.68/10.