Cost of living crisis is the biggest worry for Scots right now
Its the number one concern for all working-age adults according to a poll
The cost of living crisis is the biggest concern for Scots regardless of their job or their social class, and more than half believe the country is "moving in the wrong direction", according to a poll.
More than 2,000 adults were took part in the Understanding Scotland survey carried out in May which found 47% of respondents said the cost of living was a top concern.
This proportion has more than doubled since September, corresponding with the rise in inflation.
More than half of respondents - 53% - said Scotland was "moving in the wrong direction".
Inflation is the big fear for the young
Concern over rising prices was high across the working-age population, regardless of employment status and social class.
The survey showed this concern was particularly pronounced among younger people, in households with children, and in urban areas - particularly Glasgow.
It was less of a concern among older and retired respondents.
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Covid drops down the priority list
Other key priorities for the Scottish population included healthcare and tackling poverty and inequality.
Understanding Scotland - the regular tracker of Scotland's priorities - also found that the Covid-19 pandemic had fallen sharply in the minds of Scots, with only 4% citing it as a top concern.
Constitutional and economic debates have also fallen in importance since September, with fewer than one in five deeming them key issues.
Respondents in more deprived communities also reported concerns about housing, jobs and poverty, while those in more affluent areas were more likely to prioritise healthcare, the economy and education.
Mark Diffley, director of Diffley Partnership, which is responsible for the Understanding Scotland survey, said: "These findings point to near-universal concern over the cost-of-living crisis.
"While the public appears to have largely moved on from the pandemic, this is not giving way to any evident optimism about Scotland's future or direction of travel."
Andrew Wilson, founding partner of Charlotte Street Partners, which also helped conduct the survey, said the findings should create "a sense of urgency" to deal with the cost of living.
"Choices must be made now to address the concerns that this study shows are crying out for attention," he added.
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