A quarter of Scots believe devolution was a MISTAKE

By JESSICA NORTH FOR THE SCOTTISH DAILY MAIL

Published: | Updated:

A quarter of Scots think devolution has been a mistake and fewer than half believe Holyrood has served them well, according to a poll.

As the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament approaches, it has emerged that devolution is ‘tolerated, but not loved’ by the public.

Polling from the Diffley Partnership on behalf of political podcast Holyrood Sources asked people on their views of the parliament since it was established in May 1999.

However, only 40 per cent believe Holyrood has served them well, while just 42 per cent believe their MSP is doing a good job.

Andy Maciver, Holyrood Sources co-host and founder and director of Message Matters, said: ‘This polling should be a wake-up call for all 129 MSPs, and the political parties.

‘Devolution is tolerated, but it is not loved. Those who believe in the concept of devolution need to accept that Holyrood has not delivered in the way people hoped it would. This 25-year anniversary is a good time to hit the reset button so that, when devolution reaches 50, it can be the institution we all hoped it would.’

Opening ceremony: Her late Majesty with First Minister Donald Dewar and Presiding Officer Sir David Steel

Opening ceremony: Her late Majesty with First Minister Donald Dewar and Presiding Officer Sir David Steel

The Scottish parliament at Holyrood

The Scottish parliament at Holyrood

Polling from the Diffley Partnership on behalf of political podcast Holyrood show only 40 per cent believe Holyrood has served them wel

Polling from the Diffley Partnership on behalf of political podcast Holyrood show only 40 per cent believe Holyrood has served them wel

Overall, positivity about devolution narrowly outweighs negativity, with 56 per cent having a favourable view of the Scottish parliament. However, 26 per cent think it was not a good idea in the first place.

The study found that 80 per cent oppose the constitutional status quo, with just 20 per cent in support of devolution with its current powers.

There is also confusion over what matters Holyrood and Westminster have control over.

Foreign affairs is the remit of Holyrood, according to 8 per cent of the 1,046 respondents and 23 per cent think all decision making is shared with Westminster.

It also showed that 20 per cent of people think education is a shared power while only 10 per cent know it is reserved.

Mark Diffley, founder and director of the Diffley Partnership, said: ‘As we mark 25 years of devolution, our poll breaks new ground in understanding the public view of its impact.

‘Only one in five of us want to reverse the devolution process. Decision-makers and politicians must note the more negative findings from the poll, including significant numbers who do not consider Holyrood or MSPs to be serving them well, and use this evidence to consider how better to connect devolution to the public.’

The data showed that just 38 per cent think Scotland should be independent and 32 per cent think it will happen in ten years.

Mr Maciver added: ‘Many of us have felt for some time that the pro-UK parties are failing to offer people the option that would settle the constitutional matter for good: a more powerful Scottish parliament. The Tory/Labour status quo commands only 20 per cent support, but when more options are included, 62 per cent of people oppose independence.

‘For Anas Sarwar and Labour, that should light the way for their 2026 Holyrood manifesto.’

Fellow podcast host Geoff Aberdein, previously chief of staff to former First Minister Alex Salmond, said: ‘The most interesting results are those that show that, apart from defence and security and foreign affairs, the public are supportive of Holyrood having control over all other key issues that impact our daily lives.

‘All of this tells us there is support for the Scottish parliament as an institution but there is certainly work to be done in terms of improving public policy delivery.’

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