Scotland's leading polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice has delivered a stark warning about declining public confidence in the Scottish Government's ability to handle key devolved responsibilities.
The renowned political scientist's analysis reveals growing scepticism among Scottish voters about Holyrood's performance on fundamental matters including the NHS, education system and economic management.
Constitutional Focus Versus Day-to-Day Governance
Professor Curtice's research highlights a concerning trend: while constitutional debates continue to dominate Scottish political discourse, public faith in the government's handling of everyday services appears to be weakening.
'There is evidence that the Scottish Government is now no more trusted to handle the health service than is the UK government,' Curtice stated, marking a significant shift in public perception.
The Devolution Dilemma
The findings come at a crucial moment for Scottish politics, with ongoing debates about the distribution of powers between Holyrood and Westminster. Curtice's analysis suggests that:
- Public trust in Scottish Government's health service management has significantly eroded
- Confidence in educational leadership shows similar decline
- Economic management credibility faces growing challenges
- Constitutional debates may be overshadowing practical governance concerns
Expert Interpretation
Professor Curtice, who regularly provides analysis for BBC News and other major outlets, emphasised the broader implications of these findings. 'The debate about whether there should be another independence referendum continues to dominate the agenda of the SNP government,' he noted, while questioning whether this focus comes at the expense of demonstrating competence in existing responsibilities.
The research underscores a critical challenge for Scottish ministers: balancing constitutional ambitions with delivering tangible results in areas completely within their control.
Looking Ahead
As Scottish politics continues to evolve, these trust metrics will be crucial in shaping both public debate and political strategy. The declining confidence in devolved matters could influence future electoral outcomes and the broader constitutional conversation.
Professor Curtice's analysis serves as a timely reminder that while constitutional questions capture headlines, public trust is ultimately built—or eroded—through performance on the services that affect daily life.
