This in-person event will hear insights from the latest Understanding Scotland quarterly survey of economic attitudes and expectations.

Our regular survey tracks economic confidence and buying intentions over time, as well as helping us to understand and monitor economic attitudes and public opinion. Mark Diffley, from the Diffley Partnership will share the latest data and analysis which is vital information for decision-makers across all sectors. We will then hear reflections from Shona McCarthy of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society and David Eiser from Consumer Scotland.

Mark Diffley is a researcher and political pollster with over 20 years’ experience. In 2017 he founded The Diffley Partnership, a new company based in Edinburgh, which has grown to become a team of eight research and data specialists. The company delivers research, insight and evidence-led recommendations for clients across the public, private and third sectors in Scotland and further afield.

Shona McCarthy joined the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society as Chief Executive 7 years ago. Shona has championed the Edinburgh Fringe as the world’s leading performing arts festival and expo, founded on the principles of open access and freedom of expression. From 2011-2014 she was Chief Executive of the Culture Company, leading on Derry - Londonderry’s transformational year as UK City of Culture. Prior to that she was Director of the British Council Northern Ireland.  Shona has 33 years experience working in senior leadership positions and was awarded a prestigious Eisenhower Fellowship for Innovation in 2014, making her part of a global network of leaders and influencers, and a NESTA cultural leadership award in 2007. She is an Honorary Fellow of Surrey University. A visiting Professor at Napier University and an Honorary Fellow of the Marketing Society of Scotland.

David Eiser, is Director of Research, Analysis and Investigations at Consumer Scotland, the recently established statutory organisation for consumers in Scotland. Prior to joining Consumer Scotland in December 2022, David was a Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI), an independent economic research body based at the University of Strathclyde. At FAI David led work on fiscal policy, the Scottish budget, and socio-economic trends in the Scottish economy.