iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 02/10/2026

ICYMI: our new Fraser Focus podcast series is underway! The first series explores key economic issues affecting low-income households in Scotland and the UK. Intro episode below. Our first main episode out next week as part of Challenge Poverty Week. buff.ly/GNbki8q

022

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 01/10/2026

Chirsty McFadyen (FAI) and Andrea Tonner (Department of Marketing) are running a zine making workshop on 26 October. The workshop asks people with learning disabilities, autism and other disabilities to make a zine page about what good work means for you. Sign up here: buff.ly/UCF5FaG

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 22/09/2026

🎙️ Introducing Fraser Focus - a new podcast series from the Fraser of Allander Institute exploring economic issues affecting Scotland and the UK. Our first series focuses on low-income households and poverty. 🎧 Intro episode launches next week, first of ten main episodes on 6 October.

022

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 22/07/2026

📢 New Scottish Business Monitor Q2 2026 📢 Almost two-thirds of firms now use AI, with adoption above 50% in construction, manufacturing and services for the first time. 🔗 Read the report here: buff.ly/9i0bNhk

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 30/06/2026

How did the Scottish election shake out, and what are the initial signs saying regarding Parliamentary scrutiny? Read our final blog of the 2026 Election Analysis series below: buff.ly/XgN7hVx

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 28/05/2026

Our Learning Disability Research team was grateful to spend time this morning with Sir Stephen Timms (Minister for Social Security and Disability), discussing our work and evidence submitted to the Timms Review. Read our work on learning disabilities: buff.ly/R7aSKRO

FAI Learning Disability Research Programme team meeting with Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability.

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 24/04/2026

As we round up the week, a chance to reflect on our events in Bangor and Edinburgh, and the main questions around fiscal frameworks, income tax and council tax. Listen below to our latest @fraserofallander.org and @WalesGovernance.bsky.social podcast: buff.ly/FECwpMe

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 24/04/2026

With two weeks to go until polling day, yesterday we hosted an event asking: 2026 Scottish election: do the promises and plans add up? Thank you to everyone who joined for a thoughtful and engaged discussion! ➡️ You can view the slides here: buff.ly/iMpiMAB

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/04/2026

In our latest @fraserofallander.org and @WalesGovernance.bsky.social podcast: the main news of the week, including the SNP food price cap, manifestos galore and what parties aren't talking about. Listen below: buff.ly/l5W0K5I

020

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 09/01/2026

7/ This is made much worse by the large gap by 29-30 in the MTFS, and looks impossible to close on tax alone - tax rate hikes would be v large because of Scottish income distribution. A degree of lower health spending growth would be required

Chart showing that both a significant increase in income tax rates (5p on all rates) AND matching lower England health spending growth would be necessary to close the funding gap in Scotland

100

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 09/01/2026

6/ The adjustment necessary at UK level is not too severe, requiring modestly bearing down on health spending growth and slightly increasing taxes. But the effects on the Scottish Budget would be severe, because much of the long-term ScotGov funding is health consequentials

Chart showing that with a 3p basic rate of income tax increase, only one of higher productivity growth or lower health spending growth is necessary to put the public finances on a sustainable footing

Chart showing that the Scottish Government funding gap would be much exacerbated (over 15% of spending) if the UK Government solved its fiscal sustainability issues

110

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 09/01/2026

5/ We have a deep dive into UK and Scottish fiscal sustainability. Once we account for fiscal drag over the long-run, taxes are due to go up by >8% of GDP, or £250bn in today's terms. But poor productivity growth means that still isn’t enough to stop debt rising

Chart showing that assuming fiscal drag, primary receipts as a share of GDP will go up to nearly 49% of GDP, compared with the OBR's projection for them to be under 39% in 2073-74 under average earnings indexation

Chart showing indexation with CPI puts debt on a sustainable path, but lower productivity growth (0.7%) and a higher R-G (1ppt) mean that it returns to the OBR's explosive path

110

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 09/01/2026

1/ ICYMI: Scotland’s Budget Report 2026-27 is live today! Here's the key takeaways from our report that you should know about the upcoming Scottish budget on Tuesday 13th Jan... 🧵 buff.ly/52A9kpV

132

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 02/12/2025

Support for people with learning disabilities should reflect daily experiences, communication & wellbeing. Our collaboration with SCLD, PAMIS & DHI explores how person-owned data stores can help do this, while also enhancing the evidence base. Read more: buff.ly/acN7Umg

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 03/11/2025

How effective are Scotland’s employment programmes for people with learning disabilities? Our latest blog looks at what available data tells us across Scotland. Read more 👇 🔗 buff.ly/9odHIVa

051

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 29/10/2025

Our latest blog looks at how Scotland is progressing with annual health checks for people with learning disabilities — covering the latest data, NHS Board variation, funding, and upcoming review and research. Read more here: fraserofallander.org/tracking-pro...

041

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 03/10/2025

As we get deeper into Autumn, the named storms are starting to turn up, Glasgow’s characteristic horizontal rain is drenching us again and the fiscal horizon isn’t free from a smattering of dark clouds either.... and yes we do keep this metaphor going through the blog! buff.ly/SiIJ1RK

033

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 02/10/2025

EVENT: What is the future of the hospitality and tourism industry in Scotland? 📍Monday 10 Nov | 10 – 2pm | Glasgow 📅Join us in to explore our latest research and hear from employers, employees & industry leaders Free to attend, find out more: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-future...

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 26/09/2025

Want to build a stronger, more inclusive team? 💡 Join our 2-hour interactive workshop for employers on hiring & supporting neurodivergent people and those with learning disabilities. Gain confidence, practical tools & fresh insight. buff.ly/oTiwjwm

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

And that's a wrap! Massive thank you to all the Fraser team for organising, and to all the attendees and guest presenters for bringing such great energy and discussion. Here's to the next 50 years of the Fraser of Allander Institute 🎉 #FAI50

a photo of the Fraser of Allander team at the end of the conference. The slide behind them reads "celebrating 50 years of leading economic research in Scotland"

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

What better way to round off our conference than with a look ahead to the 2026 Holyrood election with Professor Sir John Curtice? #FAI50

a photograph of professor sir John Curtice talking at our conference

042

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

Thank you to Peter MacMahon for chairing our next session on making economics accessible for the public, with three fantastic editors to discuss. #FAI50

a photo of Mairi Spowage introducing Peter MacMahon, Douglas Fraser of the BBC, Gina Davidson of LBC and Chris Musson of The Scottish Sun.

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

"If we don't make these choices, our successors will be faced with an even tougher environment." Auditor General Stephen Boyle on the need to prioritise effective prevention of health inequalities. #FAI50

a picture of Stephen Boyle, auditor general, talking at our conference

021

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

SHERU's second annual report is now live. Our attendees got an exclusive look at the findings and recommendations this morning before launch. #FAI50 buff.ly/hog5bHK

a picture of Emma Congreve and Kat Smith presenting the findings of the second annual SHERU report

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

Our special guest revealed! Welcome John Swinney, First Minister, to the conference. #FAI50

a picture of John Swinney talking to an audience

032

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

Wonderful to have our university's newly appointed principal here to celebrate with us today! #FAI50

a picture of Strathclyde's principal talking to an audience

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 19/09/2025

It's day 2 of our conference! So excited for more engaging discussions with our attendees 🥰 #FAI50

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

Mairi Spowage in conversation with Michael Marra MSP, discussing parliamentary committees and the role of research in holding government to account. #FAI50

020

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

Some fantastic themed sessions this morning at our #FAI50 conference!

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

Charandeep Singh and Jack Norquoy highlight the benefits of their strategic relationships with the Fraser, including robust data for business #FAI50

a picture of a panel with Charandeep Singh talking

a picture of a panel with Jack Norquoy talking

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of Scottish Tourism Alliance and co-chair of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group, reflects on his relationship with the Fraser: the THILG's participation in Serving the Future has positively impacted their strategy. #FAI50

A panel of 5 people including Marc Crothall speaking

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

Deloitte is collaborating with us to create a podcast series covering innovation and sustainability in Scotland which you can listen to now. More episodes coming soon! #FAI50

a panel and a presenter with a slide that describes the podcast mentioned in the post.

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

Kicking off our first panel is Angela Mitchell, Practise Senior Partner for Scotland and Northern Ireland, Deloitte. Looking forward to hearing more about the role of business-resrarch collaboration. #FAI50

a panel composing Angela Mitchell from Deloitte, Mairi Spowage FAI, Marc Crothall Scottish Tourism Alliance, Charandeep Singh Scottish Chambers of Commerce, and Jack Norquoy Scottish Renewables.

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

And we are live! What a great turn out 😁 Share your insights and pictures with us using #FAI50

Mairi Spowage doing her welcome address at the FAI 50th anniversary conference in front of a large audience

001

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/09/2025

🎉Our conference starts today! Follow along on social media using the hashtag #FAI50 for live updates. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Strathclyde over the next two days. buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says "Today is the day! our 50th anniversary conference starts now"

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 17/09/2025

💸 How far away is the UK from fiscal sustainability? Join Joao Sousa & Mairi Spowage for a deep dive into FAI’s new analysis on public finances, long-term productivity, and the real scale of the challenge. 11am on Friday 19th September #FAI50 buff.ly/ewDfqvL

020

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 16/09/2025

🎯 Can Scotland hit its 2030 child poverty targets? Join FAI researchers + a panel with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, The Robertson Trust & I-SPHERE (Heriot-Watt) to explore funding, policy priorities & solutions. 4pm on Thursday 18th September #FAI50 buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says 2 days to go until the FAI conference

031

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 15/09/2025

👀 Eyes on 2026! Join Professor Sir John Curtice for a sneak peek at the next Scottish election, the latest polling insights, and your chance to ask the questions that matter. 2:30pm on Friday 19th September #FAI50 buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says 3 days to go until the FAI conference

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 14/09/2025

📰 Economics without the jargon. Join Peter MacMahon, Douglas Fraser, Chris Musson & Gina Davidson for a lively panel on how research can cut through noise & help the public understand Scotland’s big issues. 1:30pm on Friday 19th September #FAI50 buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says 4 days to go until the FAI conference

001

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 13/09/2025

🗳️ How do we keep government accountable? Join Michael Marra MSP & Mairi Spowage for a conversation on the power of parliamentary committees – and how research like FAI’s strengthens democracy. Don’t miss it! 12:30pm on Thursday 18th September #FAI50 buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says 5 days to go until the FAI conference

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 12/09/2025

📊 Scotland’s health inequalities under the spotlight. Be first to hear SHERU’s 2025 Annual Report launch with Emma Congreve & Kat Smith – plus insight from Auditor General Stephen Boyle. Panel discussion to follow. 9:45am on Friday 19th September #FAI50 buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says 6 days to go until the FAI conference

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 11/09/2025

🚀Want insider perspectives on how research drives business success? Join Mairi Spowage + top voices from Deloitte, Scottish Renewables, Tourism & Chambers of Commerce for a lively panel you won’t want to miss! 9:30am on Thursday 18th September #FAI50 buff.ly/R37Qwm7

Decorative image that says 7 days to go until the FAI conference

010

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 13/08/2025

This chart shows the decomposition of the change in the notional deficit from 2023-24 to 2024-25 - devolved spending is clearly the largest factor. Even if devolved revenues grew faster in percentage terms, devolved spending is just much larger a share of the economy

Chart shows that the net fiscal balance deterioration is mostly driven by higher devolved expenditure. Reserved revenues fell, but were offset by higher devolved taxes. North Sea revenues and reserved expenditure both contributed to the worsening by smaller amounts

021

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 22/07/2025

🚨50th Anniversary Conference 🚨 There's less than 60 days to go until our conference and we're looking forward to welcoming you all to celebrate the Institute's work and impact over the past 50 years! Still not registered? Click the link here: buff.ly/bMawz3M

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 18/06/2025

⭐ 50th ANNIVERSARY ⭐ Founded in 1975, the FAI has grown into a powerful voice in Scottish and UK economics. Now, 50 years on, we’re celebrating this with a series of events and themed outputs in the coming months, showcasing our history and impact. Read more: buff.ly/GP1kILg

044

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 29/05/2025

We have just published a new case study as part of our Serving the Future project via the tourism and hospitality toolkit we helped to create. Torridon discusses how thoughtful leadership and sustained investment in people created positive returns for their business👉 buff.ly/lpTjt0V

011

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 27/03/2025

What happens next? We’ll need significant policy interventions to meet the 2030/31 targets. We’ve explored some of these using economic modelling – you can read more here: buff.ly/N5VRSpW (7/7)

000

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 27/03/2025

There's been an update to the way SCP is captured in data, which makes us more confident its effects are represented in the new stats. See our analysis in our new report out today: buff.ly/ZThnWZf (6/7)

100

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 27/03/2025

There is some evidence that Scottish Child Payment seems to have made a difference as this year’s Scottish and UK poverty rates appear to diverge. (5/7)

111

Fraser of Allander Institute @fraserofallander.org · 27/03/2025

We’ve made some progress in 3 of 4 measures compared to last year, but persistent poverty has gone the wrong way. We’ve still got a long way to go to meet the 2030/31 targets. (4/7)

110