Public trust in SNP Government soars

Public trust in the Scottish Government to act in the country's best interests has enjoyed a post-referendum 'bounce', it emerged today.

Nicola Sturgeon's government is trusted to do the right thing for Scotland, accoridng to polling. Picture: Jane Barlow

But faith in the UK Government to do the best for Scotland has slumped.

Almost three-quarters (73%) of Scots now believe ministers in Edinburgh act it he country’s long-term interest, according to the latest Scottish Social attitudes survey for 2015.

This is up from 59% in 2013 and the highest level of trust among Scots since the onset of devolution in 1999.

Such a “bounce” effect has only been seen previously in election years, the survey published today says.

It adds: “The level of trust recorded in 2015 was particularly striking given that 2015 was not a Scottish election year although the Scottish independence referendum took place in September 2014.”

The level of trust in the Scottish Government to make fair decisions stands at 49%, the highest since devolution.

But fewer than a quarter (23%) of Scots say they believe the UK Government acts in the country’s best interests - down from 26% in 2013.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “It’s clear that the people of Scotland trust the Scottish Government to listen to their views, and act fairly and in their best interests.

“This reflects our commitment to being Scotland’s most accessible government ever, giving people the chance to tell us what matters to them, and inform the decisions we make.”

The economy is the key priority for Scots, the survey finds. But just one in four (26%) believe the economy has strengthened in the last year - while 35% say it had weakened.

Almost half (42%) of Scots thought their living standards had fallen in the past year - while 19% said they had risen.