(c) House of McLaren
Today’s BBC/YouGov research shows Scots to be more optimistic about the future and Yes supporters to be especially so. This is, of course, the third recent report showing Scots to be happier and more satisfied than those in the non-Scottish parts of the UK. See these two:
Do Office for National Statistics figures reveals SNP rule is good for us? The Fraser Institute seems to agree
Scots happiness levels continue to soar: https://www.scotsman.com/news/odd/scots-happiness-levels-continue-to-soar-1-4575355
But, it hasn’t always been this way.
‘It is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine’
Fairly recently but pre-SNP government and before bedded-in devolution. See this:
P G Wodehouse’s remark that “it is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and a ray of sunshine” appears still to hold true. The reputation of the Scots as dour and miserable has been reinforced by academic research, which found that satisfaction with life is significantly lower north of the border than south. The report, titled The Scots May Be Brave, But They Are Neither Healthy Nor Happy, was compiled by a network of university economists called scotecon.net. It found that Scots are as miserable now as they were in 1973, despite incomes rising more than elsewhere in the UK. The creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 similarly failed to bring cheer. The study was published yesterday by Professor David Bell, of Stirling University’s department of economics, and co-author Professor David Blanchflower, of Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, in the US.
There has clearly been a time lag.
Back to the sunny present
The full BBC report is not on the YouGov site yet, but it’s unlikely that they will have asked:
- Have ten years of SNP government made you more optimistic about the future?
- Has the new ………… policy made you more optimistic about the future?
- Does the thought of Scottish independence make you more optimistic?
I suppose the data do give an answer to that last one.
Here’s a reminder of the policies and other changes that might be inserted into versions of question 2:
Even more evidence of becoming a better nation as Scottish Government moves to end upfront childcare deposits
More evidence of becoming a better nation as SNP ‘future-proof’ social security
SNP moves to finally put an end to foxes’agony being ripped apart by hounds as the English Tories plan a return to the unspeakable business. Different again?
8% of the UK population and 28% of living wage employers. More evidence that we are different enough to want to run the whole show?
Racial hate crimes increase by 33% in England & Wales while falling by 10% in Scotland: Who says we’re not different?
Scottish social housing more accessible and cheaper than in rest of UK
BBC Scotland’s shameless attempt to scare with claim that Scottish hospital has cladding ‘similar’ to that of Grenfell revealing ignorance of Scottish building regulations.
Of 35 children and teenagers killed with knives in Britain in 2017, not one was in Scotland, yet in 2005, the UN called Scotland the most violent country in the developed world.
Reported domestic violence in Scotland falls. Is this part of wider change?
Scotland has lower poverty rates than England: JRF Excerpt 1
Could Scotland end homelessness?
Scottish Government to fight alongside UN to defend disabled against Tory cuts.
Scottish care workers to receive Living Wage for ‘sleepover’ hours while English care workers receive only the National Minimum Wage.
Scots more likely to give to charities, to volunteer or to sponsor others
Scots the least respectful of the upper classes: More evidence of a difference that makes a difference?
In Scotland, 58 000 new mothers every year to get baby box worth £160 but Labour are not completely happy
And today, we saw:
‘Scotland to pardon gay men with historical convictions’
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/07/scotland-to-pardon-gay-men-with-historical-convictions
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Talking-up Scotland 
Yes , I would say it has , people see a government that is doing it’s very best for Scotland despite a very hostile ,biased , media , and one hand tied fiŕmly behind it’s back . People are begining to suss out that Unionist party’s in Scotland only take orders from their southern headquarters , and they most certainly don’t put Scotland high on their agendas. Maybe they are beginning to see a bright blue and white future !
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Hear Hear to John’s observation above. Maybe that bright blue and white future might include Channel 4 increasing its presence in Scotland? – From Business For Scotland site:
Glasgow has been shortlisted to participate in the second stage of the pitch process for the new Channel 4 National HQ and two new Creative Hubs.
The first round pitch process was launched in April where cities and regions were asked to provide written submissions outlining the strengths of the city or region and how it could meet Channel 4’s vision for the National HQ or Creative Hub.
More than 30 submissions were received in this first round from across the UK, and now seven cities have been shortlisted for consideration as a National HQ or Creative Hub. And a further six have been shortlisted for consideration as a Creative Hub only.
Each of the shortlisted cities will participate in a second stage process – which will include Channel 4 visiting each city for a presentation and Q&A. Following this, Channel 4 will engage in further discussions with cities and regions as necessary, before selecting the final locations in October 2018.
Fantastic work by the Scottish Govt, SNP led Glasgow City Council and Stuart Cosgrove (Indy supporter par excellence) – Team Scotland In Action – In advance of Indy. This type of inspiring cooperative action shows what can be achieved if we all keep disciplined and keep our eyes on the ball ie preparing the ground for the New and Better Scotland (It’s on its way folks – it really is).
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