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 nation's future. 

Our latest research was carried out in June 2026. 

What did we ask?

1. How happy are you just now? 

   (1= very unhappy & 10= very happy)

2. How secure do you feel in your job? 

   (1= very insecure & 10= very secure)

3. How safe do you feel in your local area? 

   (1= very unsafe & 10= very safe)

4. Compared to last year, how do you think your financial situation is?

   (1= much worse & 10= much better​)

5. How positive do you feel about Scotland's future?

   (1= very pessimistic & 10= very positive)

Changes to Happiness Over Recent Years

As we approach the middle of 2026, happiness has fallen slightly from the last wave in October 2025. However, it continues to rise after our lowest record of happiness in early 2022. Notably, happiness amongst the average Scottish adult is back within the same range as it was pre-pandemic, and has been consistently since January 2023.

Job Security by Demographics

Job security is perceived joint lowest among those aged 16-34 and 35-44. This marks a change from the last wave, where 45-54 year olds had the least job security. Over 65s continue to score highest, with 8.69 out of 10 in June 2026. Job security of those considered C2DE is higher than those identified as ABC1, highlighting stronger perceived job security within more dominantly working class roles. Geographically, Scots in the West consider their jobs more secure than those in the East and North.

Local Safety by Demographics

Measures of local safety are maintained in this wave, showing consistency of opinion.

On average, Scottish men feel safer in their local areas than women do, with a 0.16 point gender split in Jun-26. In terms of age, those aged 65+ have the highest level of perceived safety, and the youngest age group, those between 16 and 34, rank the lowest. Generally, higher scores arise with age, except in the 45-54 group who note a slight dip.

Changes to Personal Finances 

Following a high of 6.04 in early 2021, and an all time low in Feb-22, confidence in personal financial situation has risen steadily to reach this current peak of 6.06. This question considers one's own finances this year in direct comparison to last year. The latest figures tell us that attitudes towards personal finances are better now than pre-Covid, and show some recovery from the peak of the Cost of Living Crisis in 2022-23. 

Positivity about Scotland's Future

Sentiment on Scotland’s future continues to improve, hitting 5.54 this wave. This is a rise from last October's 5.43, and the result of a steady incline from particularly low levels in February 2024. Adults under 34 are most optimistic about the nation's future whilst those between 45-54 are the least. Men are more pessimistic than women on this matter, with a 0.31 point gender divergence.