Levels of trust in the Scottish Government are lower than for any other public institution, according to its own survey.
The Scottish Household Survey found that only 46 per cent of respondents said they trusted the Scottish Government, which is lower than any other public institution.
The health service got the highest trust score, at 74 per cent, although this has declined by five percentage points in three years amid growing concerns about delays for treatment, long waits at A&E and a long line of targets set by SNP ministers being missed.
While the Scottish Government's trust rating has marginally improved from 45 per cent in the last survey in 2023, it has plunged compared to 55 per cent in 2022.
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: 'This damning survey confirms more and more Scots are sick and tired of this incompetent and out-of-touch SNP government.
'They have spent their two decades in power addicted to secrecy and cover-ups and have focused on fringe obsessions and pushing their plans to break up the United Kingdom.
'That has resulted in Scotland's public services crumbling and Scots being forced to pay more but get less.
The Scottish Household Survey found that only 46 per cent of respondents said they trusted the Scottish Government
The health service got the highest trust score, at 74 per cent
The education system was trusted by 62 per cent of respondents
'It is hardly surprising trust is plummeting when the SNP repeatedly break their promises, spread misinformation and fail to focus on Scotland's real priorities.'
According to the latest results from the Scottish Household Survey, 46 per cent of respondents said they trusted the Scottish Government, while 45 per cent said they distrusted it and 9 per cent either didn't know or weren't sure.
Among age groups, the highest trust score was 55 per cent for 16-34-year-olds, while the lowest was 37 per cent for those aged 60-plus.
The health system's 74 per cent was the equal highest for any Scottish institution, alongside police. The education system was trusted by 62 per cent of respondents, followed by 58 per cent for the justice system, 56 per cent for the civil service, 50 per cent for local government and 46 per cent for the Scottish Government.
Distrust was highest for the Scottish Government at 45 per cent and local government at 41 per cent, and lowest for police at 19 per cent and the education system at 20 per cent.
Since 2023, the biggest increases in distrust were for local government, from 35 per cent to 41 per cent, and the health system, from 18 per cent to 24 per cent.
The survey found that trust in Scottish institutions declined overall between 2022 and 2025, while distrust increased and views have become less neutral.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: 'It is encouraging that levels of trust in the Scottish Government, the Civil Service, police and education have remained stable since 2023, with trust in the justice system improving.
'It is also encouraging to see that the Carnegie UK 2026 "Life in the UK: Scotland Report", published this week, finds that the proportion of people who had "high" trust in the Scottish Government had increased by six percentage points between 2025 and 2026.
'Ministers are focused on the Scottish Government's four key priorities: eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency, and delivering high quality and sustainable public services. Delivering on the actions people care about will build trust in the government.'
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