True North Scotland Poll

True North commissioned a wide-ranging poll in August 2022, gauging public opinion on a variety of topical issues including the economy, Scotland’s business environment and perceptions of the financial services sector. Respondents were also asked a range of questions relating to energy transition and whether government or business should be leading the way towards achieving Scotland’s net zero ambitions. True North periodically produces polling on the major issues of the day, helping to underpin the advice provided to our clients with a strong evidence base. 

Q1. The term ‘Financial services’ describes companies who invest, lend, and manage money and assets. To what extent are you aware of the contribution that the financial and professional services sector makes to Scotland’s economy?

Q2. Gross Value Added (GVA) is the measure of the value of goods and services produced in an economy. Financial and professional services make one of the largest contributions to Scotland’s economy, representing 9.2% of GVA. How important, if at all, do you consider financial and professional services to the future success of Scotland’s economy?

Q3. Which of the following statements is closest to your view?

Q4. Which of the following statements is closest to your view?

Q5. Which of the following sectors, if any, do you think are the most important to the recovery and growth of Scotland’s economy in the years ahead?

Q6. How well do you think the Scottish Government is performing on economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic?

Q7. How well do you think the UK Government is performing on economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic?

Q8. The Scottish and UK governments both highlight the importance of infrastructure investment to help business and communities through economic recovery and to drive growth in the economy. Which of the following statements is closest to your view?

Q9. How well do you think the UK and Scottish governments currently collaborate?

Q10. How closely do you think the UK and Scottish governments collaborate?

Q11. The Scottish Government has committed to net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045, meaning that Scotland’s contribution to climate change will end by that date. The term ‘energy transition’ describes the pathway from fossil-based energy production to zero-carbon based. To what extent, if at all, are you aware of what each of the following is doing to invest in this energy transition?

Q12. Which of the following do you believe should be taking the lead in investing in energy transition?

Q13. To what extent do you agree or disagree that each of the following are doing enough to invest in energy transition?

Q14. The Scottish Government has committed to net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2045, meaning that Scotland’s contribution to climate change will end by that date. Which of the following statements is closest to your view?

Q15. The UK Climate Change Committee has set out a pathway towards net-zero which includes the use of gas through a transition period to 2050 and beyond, albeit in steadily declining amounts. To what extent do you agree or disagree that it will be necessary to issue future licences to extract oil and gas in UK waters?

Q16. What impact, if any, do you think that energy companies operating in the North Sea have on both the UK and Scottish economies?

Q17. Which of the following statements is closest to your view?

Q18. Which of the following statements is closest to your view?

Q19. Do you think Independence would be good or bad for the Scottish economy?