Majority put faith in executive

The survey highlighted confusion over devolution

A majority of people in Scotland have more faith in the Scottish Executive than the UK Government, according to a social attitudes poll.

Only a third thought things were getting better, though most blamed UK ministers for a lack of improvement.

Two-thirds thought the executive should have the most influence over Scotland, but only 19% thought it actually did.

The findings were contained in the latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, which questioned 1,637 adults.

Devolution confusion

The study also revealed that only 35% believed having a Scottish Parliament was giving Scotland a stronger voice in the UK.

John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, said the survey showed there was still a lack of understanding about devolution.

He said; "This research shows that people generally believe in the principle of devolution but that there is still some confusion about how it works and some doubt about how much difference it is making."

The survey suggested that most people thought things had improved following devolution, with the exception of the health service.

High aspirations

However, many respondents appeared to have little awareness of government work. Only 29% said they had heard a "great deal" or "quite a lot" about the executive.

Finance Minister Tom McCabe said: "There is absolutely no doubt that the executive is making a difference to the lives of the people of Scotland.

"This research clearly signals that people have high aspirations. We share that ambition and want to step up the pace of delivery and reform."

The survey was carried out by the Scottish Centre for Social Research.