Survey shows Scots happier than ever
● Central Scotland takes the crown for being happiest
Scots are slightly happier than they were last year, Bank of Scotland’s annual survey on happiness shows. Older people and those earning the most money are the happiest, it found.
The latest survey marks the third year that Scotland’s happiness level has gone up, with central Scotland the most happy, followed by the Highlands and Islands and the Lothians.
West Scotland was the least happy, with Glasgow a close second. Glasgow’s happiness was, however, higher than it was last year.
Despite the fact older generations have stayed at the top of the table, the younger generations appear to be catching up
RICKY DIGGINS
Happiness levels in Scotland have risen for the third consecutive year, according to new research.
The Bank of Scotland study also found that older people and those earning the most are the happiest.
The annual nationwide survey asks Scots how happy or unhappy they are in their local communities, to create an officialbarometer of contentment ranging between -100 (very unhappy) to +100 (very happy).
Overall, Scots are slightly happier than last year as the Index recorded a score of 44.9 (an increase of 1.2 points compared to 2017) and 5.9 points more cheerful than three years ago.
Central Scotland was the most cheerful place in Scotland in 2018 with a score of 49.82, followed by the Highlands and Islands (47.61) and Lothians (46.23).
West Scotland was bottom of the table with a score of 40.08, while Glasgow was second last at 40.32, though almost 10 points up on last year.
Over-65s remained the happiest age group for the fourth year running, while the happiness levels of 18- to 24-yearolds have grown by the highest number of points in the last year.
Those aged 35 to 44 are at the bottom of the table for the second consecutive year, and 24 points below the over-65s.
Ricky Diggins, director at Bank of Scotland said: “This year’s Index tells a few interesting stories but overall, it’s good to see happiness levels are increasing across the country.
“Despite the fact older generations
have stayed at the top of the table, the younger generations appear to be catching up.
“But of course the jewel in the crown this year is Central Scotland, as it takes the top regional spot in this year’s Index.”
The study found that households with two residents were the happiest for the third year running while families of four have slumped four places to the bottom of the table, replacing those living alone, who move up one position to fifth place.
The latest Index found that
the more Scots earn, the happier they are.
This year, Scots with a household income of more than £60,000 are happiest.
This is in contrast to 2017 when those with a household income of between £40,000 and £59,999 were top – however they are now in second place.
The research was completed by Yougov who questioned 3,039 adults between December 2017 and January 2018.
Earlier this year, in its annual survey of well-being, the
Office for National Statistics said people across the rest of the UK are becoming more unhappy.
Yet the UK’S overall happiness rating has been pushed up thanks to those living in Scotland.
The ONS said: “Scotland has shown improvements in average ratings of life satisfaction, worthwhile and happiness but there have been no overall changes in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.”
t is never difficult to distinguish between a Scotsman with a grievance and ray of sunshine,” wrote PG Wodehouse.
We must admit that this quintessentially English novelist defined us rather well. A Scot in high dudgeon – or, indeed, on any of the available levels of dudgeon – can be a terrifying creature.
Today we bring good (or bad, depending on your taste for misery) news on the national characteristic identified by Wodehouse: happiness levels in Scotland have risen for the third consecutive year.
The dour Scot of caricature is being edged out by a new breed of optimists. A survey by Bank of Scotland found that older people are among the happiest. Joining them on the happy heights are – and you’re not going to believe this – people who earn lots of money. Using a methodology of questionable scientific value, the bank found people in Central Scotland are happiest, while those in the west and Glasgow are the most miserable (Edinburgh readers will doubtless be happy to learn this).
We take the findings with a pinch of salt. A true Scot is never really happy without something to complain about.