Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker May 2026

Hear the latest results of our quarterly survey data collected just after the Scottish Parliament election. The recording below brings you the latest results from the David Hume Institute's economy tracker produced in partnership with the Diffley Partnership, and reflections from a fantastic panel. The event was kindly hosted by the Scottish Storytelling Centre.

At the event, the new data, collected immediately after the Scottish Parliament Election, was presented by 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.

We then heard reflections from our panel: Karen Jackson, Director of Strategy & Insight at South of Scotland Enterprise, Hannah Blackford, Co-Chair B Local Scotland and Clare Winskill, Executive Chair of NC500 Ltd.

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.

Clare Winskill, Executive Chair, NC500 Ltd

Clare is Executive Chair of NC500 Ltd where her focus is on steering the organisation into its second decade by championing regenerative tourism along one of the Highlands’ most iconic routes. She has over 15 years in hospitality as the Owner of Coruisk House and more than three years as a Director at the Scottish Tourism Alliance and is pursuing the IoD Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction to show her commitment to visible leadership supported by continuous learning.

Hannah Blackford, Co-Chair, B Local Scotland and Strategic Communications Adviser

Hannah is Co-Chair of B Local Scotland - a volunteer-led group of B Corp-certified companies and business leaders committed to advancing purpose-driven business and growing the B Corp movement in Scotland. She is an Account Director at the strategic communications agency, Muckle Media. She has supported many high-profile brands in protecting and building their reputations including Ferguson Marine, Coca Cola Europacific Partners, The All England Lawn Tennis Club and AstraZeneca. She is also a Trustee on the Board of a mental health charity based in Edinburgh.

Karen Jackson, Director of Strategy and Insight, South of Scotland Enterprise

Karen is the Director of Strategy and Insight at SOSE - the first of Scotland’s public agencies whose legislation promotes a wider view on the economy and how it impacts all we do, with a focus on the wellbeing of communities, the economy, and the environment across the South.

John Curtice on 2017 General Election

Britain’s foremost expert on opinion polls and voting patterns shared his fascinating analysis of the voting in the 2017 General Election with David Hume Institute members on 15 June and answered some key questions: when will the next vote be and who is likely to win? No simple answer, but interesting and informative.

In his full analysis Professor Curtice tackled some other big issues: is there such a thing as UK politics any longer? Has age replaced social class as the main discriminator between the two main parties? The UKIP vote crumbled – but where did it go? Why did the SNP lose so many seats?