We feel sunnier than ever... in spite of climate

AS the washout summer gives way to a dark and dreary autumn, it may come as something of a surprise to most.

But happiness levels in Scotland have apparently ‘never been higher’.

The Bank of Scotland’s annual Happiness Index has recorded growth in contentment levels every year since the study began three years ago – and an 8 per cent rise in the last year alone.

People living in mid-Scotland make it the happiest area while, among age groups, those aged 65 and over are most content, the study found.

The 35 to 44-year-olds were found to be the least happy.

Overall, this year’s findings show that people north of the Border are 12 per cent happier than when the survey began in 2015.

Those in mid-Scotland this year produced the highest recorded contentment score ever in the study.

But in last year’s happiest area – Fife – people are 17 per cent less upbeat this year. Overall, the area now feeling most down is Glasgow, with the index showing people in the city are 40 per cent less happy than those in mid-Scotland.

People living in pairs scored best for happiness, while those living alone are the least happy for the second year running.

When judged by wealth levels, those with the lowest personal and household incomes recorded the lowest happiness scores. By contrast, the most satisfied group comprised those on between £40,000 and £59,999. Bank of Scotland director Mike Moran said: ‘This year the midScotland region’s happiness score increased by over five points, putting them at the top of the Happiness Index and achieving the highest recorded score since the Index began.

‘Overall, happiness in Scotland has never been higher, with the index showing growth every year since 2015, and increasing by 8 per cent in the last year alone.’

The study by YouGov was based on 2,007 online interviews conducted last December.