Understanding Scotland May 2026

Understanding Scotland is a quarterly survey published by the Diffley Partnership. It measures the most important aspects of the lives of those living in Scotland: the economy, environment and society. 

For each research wave the survey, designed by Diffley Partnership, generates over 2,000 responses from a clean sample of ScotPulse panel members.

The most recent wave was sent to recipients on the 11th of May 2026. This latest wave follows immediately after the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, capturing public sentiment during a period of political transition and continued economic pressure.

For the first time in nearly three years, the cost of living and inflation has overtaken healthcare and the NHS as the most important issue facing Scotland.