Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker February 2026
Catch up with insights from February 2026 Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker - what does it mean for Scotland?
This breakfast briefing discusses the latest quarterly survey of over 2000 people in Scotland from the David Hume Institute in partnership with the Diffley Partnership. The event was kindly hosted by The Royal Bank of Scotland.
We heard the latest insights from new data collected in the first week of February 2026 from Scott Edgar of the Diffley Partnership. The survey tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion.
There were reflections from Dr Margaret Douglas of Public Health Scotland and Charandeep Singh, the new Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
About the speakers
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, The Diffley Partnership
Scott joined the Diffley Partnership following previous roles in social research in the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Since joining the business he has managed a wide range of research projects including two of Diffley Partnership’s regular quarterly surveys in Understanding Scotland and Understanding Business. Scott has significant expertise in statistical data analysis, research design, management of research projects and communication and has worked on several high profile and high impact projects. He has a degree in Political Research from the University of Strathclyde.
Dr Margaret Douglas, Consultant in Public Health, Public Health Scotland
Margaret is Consultant in Public Health with Public Health Scotland where she is Lead for Economy, Health and Mortality Trends, Clinical Lead for Scottish Public Health Observatory and Health Impact Assessment. She was previously Consultant in Public Health in NHS Lothian, where her remit focused on health inequalities and health improvement. Her interests include health inequalities, social determinants of health, links between the economy, place and health.
Charandeep Singh, Chief Executive at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce
Charandeep Singh is the Chief Executive at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Scotland’s largest business network, where he represents Scotland’s business community nationally and internationally. In addition to his SCC role, he serves as Vice-Chair & Board Member at City of Glasgow College; Council Member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow; Committee Member at the Law Society of Scotland; and Judge for the King's Awards for Enterprise.
Charandeep received a British Empire Medal in the Queen's New Years Honours List 2021 and was awarded the inaugural Pride of Scotland Award & Man of the Year Award for Services to Charity. He was named one of the most influential PR professionals in the world on the PROPEL 100 List. Previously, Charandeep was awarded Scottish Professional of the Year 2019/20 at the Scottish Asian Business Awards and was recognised by industry-leading publication, PR Week UK, in its 30 Under 30 List. Charandeep is the founding member of The Sikh Food Bank and a Director of Sikhs in Scotland, an award winning charity. Charandeep also served as the Secretary and Board Member of The Glasgow Gurdwara from 2013 - 2020 and served as an Advisor to the Principal of the University of Strathclyde.
