Public trust in the Scottish Government has collapsed to its lowest level since devolution began, according to devastating new polling that reveals a crisis of confidence in the nation's political leadership.
The Scottish Social Attitudes Survey exposes a dramatic erosion of faith in Holyrood, with satisfaction levels plunging to just 40% - a staggering 31 percentage point drop from the 71% recorded in 2020. This represents the most pessimistic reading since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened in 1999.
Devolution Discontent Reaches Critical Levels
The comprehensive study, conducted between October 2023 and April 2024, paints a bleak picture of Scottish political sentiment. Only one in four respondents now believes the Scottish Parliament gives ordinary people more say in how Scotland is governed.
Even more concerning for independence supporters, the survey reveals that just 49% think Holyrood has improved how Scotland is governed - a sharp decline from the 70% who held this view in 2020.
SNP Leadership Under Fire
The findings deliver a severe blow to First Minister Humza Yousaf and the SNP government, coming at a time when the party faces multiple challenges including policy controversies, internal divisions, and ongoing police investigations.
Professor Sir John Curtice of Strathclyde University, who analysed the data, described the results as "striking" and noted they represent "the most pessimistic view" since the dawn of devolution.
Public Priorities Shift Amid Crisis
The survey indicates that Scottish voters are increasingly prioritising economic stability and public services over constitutional debates. This shift in focus appears to be driving the decline in satisfaction with the government's performance.
With trust at rock bottom and confidence in devolution waning, the Scottish Government faces an uphill battle to restore public faith in its leadership and direction.
