Groundbreaking new research has uncovered a dramatic confidence gap between Scotland's two governments, with Holyrood emerging as the clear favourite among Scottish voters.
The comprehensive YouGov study, commissioned by the Scottish Government, reveals that when it comes to crucial policy areas affecting daily life, Scots place significantly more trust in their devolved administration than in Westminster.
Healthcare and Education Show Starkest Divides
The research demonstrates particularly strong preferences for Holyrood control over two fundamental public services:
- NHS and health policy: An overwhelming 72% of Scots believe these matters should remain with the Scottish Government
- Education and schools: 68% prefer Scottish Government oversight compared to just 12% favouring Westminster
This represents a remarkable vote of confidence in Scotland's ability to manage its own key public services nearly 25 years after devolution began.
Economic Preferences Defy Constitutional Arrangements
Perhaps most surprisingly, the research indicates that Scots would prefer Holyrood to have greater influence over economic policy - despite this remaining primarily a reserved matter to Westminster.
The data shows 47% of respondents believe the Scottish Government should take the lead on economic decisions, compared to 28% who prefer Westminster control. This suggests growing appetite for expanded devolved powers beyond the current settlement.
Constitutional Questions Reveal Complex Picture
While support for Scottish independence remains divided, the research clearly indicates that regardless of constitutional preference, Scots overwhelmingly want more decisions made in Scotland:
- Even among No voters from the 2014 referendum, significant numbers prefer Holyrood control across multiple policy areas
- The findings suggest a consensus around the principle of Scottish decision-making, transcending traditional constitutional divides
This comprehensive polling provides the most detailed picture to date of Scottish public opinion on how power should be distributed between Edinburgh and London.
What This Means for the Future of Devolution
The research findings arrive at a crucial moment for Scottish politics, as debates continue about the appropriate balance of power between the UK's constituent nations.
With such clear public preference for Scottish-based decision-making across multiple policy areas, pressure may grow for a recalibration of the devolution settlement, regardless of the ultimate outcome of independence debates.
The message from Scottish voters appears unequivocal: when it comes to matters affecting their daily lives, they trust governments closer to home.
