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 March 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 a slight increase in the last wave, happiness sees a slight fall again to its lowest level since February 2022 as we move through turbulent political times.

Job security by demographics

Women have higher perceived job security than men in March 2025 (7.51 vs 7.40 respectively) and is lowest among those aged under 35 at 7.29.

Changes to personal finances since the cost of living crisis

Since February 2022, sentiment has continued to grow more positive around personal finances, rising from an average score of 5.33/10, to the current levels of 6.01/10.

Positivity about the country's future over time

Scots' attitudes towards the country's future peaked in February 2021 with a score of 6.08. February 2024 saw an all time low of 5.17 but has since seen a slight increase to the current rating of 5.27.