Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker August 2026

Tracker survey reveals financial strain is impacting people's daily lives, leisure activities and health.

The latest Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker published by The David Hume institute in conjunction with Diffley Partnership surveyed 2,186 adults across Scotland between 2 and 5 August 2026. 

The survey has been tracking public opinion and behaviour on the Scottish Economy since October 2021.

The latest esearch reveals the ongoing cost of living squeeze remains a dominant issue for Scots.

Almost half (47%) identify inflation and living costs as one of the most important issues facing the country for a second consecutive quarter.

The latest findings suggest an increasingly anxious public where financial strain is directly impacting daily life, leisure and health.

Other key findings include:

●      More than two-thirds of Scots who expressed an opinion (68%) say the economy is worse than it was a year ago.

●      A similar proportion (67%) expect economic conditions to worsen over the next 12 months.

●      Only around a quarter of Scots (24%) believe things in Scotland are heading in the right direction.

The survey also highlights how economic pressure is shaping everyday behaviour across Scotland:

●      More than half of respondents (52%) say they have reduced non-essential spending because of concerns about money matters.

●      A similar proportion (51%) say they have cut back on leisure activities.

●      Four in ten Scots (40%) say they have dipped into savings to meet higher costs.

●      Three in ten say concerns about money have affected their mental health (30%) or caused them to lose sleep (29%).