A new poll has revealed that support for oil and gas production in Scotland is far more widespread and less polarised than commonly perceived, calling into question the approach being taken by the current UK and Scottish Governments
The public opinion research, carried out by Opinion Matters for the advisory firm BIG Partnership suggests that public opposition to oil and gas is vastly overstated, with over 80% of respondents favouring continued oil and gas production—either alongside renewable energy or as part of a broader energy mix.
The poll of 1,000 Scottish respondents comes as Scottish Labour’s annual conference in Glasgow drew to a close, with the party looking to solidify its position ahead of the next Holyrood election in 2026.
The poll found that 42% of respondents support Scotland continuing to produce its own oil and gas while growing renewable energy, while another 27% back a mix of oil, gas, and renewables indefinitely.
The results demonstrate a clear public preference for a balanced approach, with oil and gas continuing to play a significant role in Scotland’s energy landscape. This sentiment holds true across a range of age groups, genders, and geographical regions—debunking the assumption that opposition to oil and gas is concentrated among younger voters or in specific areas of Scotland.
The poll may also serve as a wake-up call to both Labour and the SNP, whose energy policies have created tension with North Sea oil and gas producers as they push for a greener future. Labour, in particular, risks alienating a significant chunk of the electorate with its aggressive stance on oil and gas, deepening the divide between Westminster’s policies and Scottish public opinion. This disconnect could cost the party ground to both the Conservatives and Reform UK, who have tapped into populist energy policies that resonate more with voters.
While support for renewable energy remains strong, voters are increasingly calling for a balanced energy mix that delivers lower prices and reliable service. For the SNP, the continued opposition to oil and gas production, despite widespread support for the sector, risks eroding their credibility among voters who see the industry as central to Scotland’s energy security and economic stability.
Key Findings:
- 68.7% of Scots favour the continued production of oil and gas in some form, whether alongside renewable energy (41.5%) or as part of a long-term mix (27.2%).
- Only 6.6% support an immediate end to oil and gas production, while 5.4% chose none of the provided options.
- Support for oil and gas production remains remarkably consistent across gender, age, and geography, including urban and rural areas alike.
Allan Barr, chief executive at BIG Partnership, said: “These poll results are a stark reminder to political leaders that public opinion on oil and gas is nowhere near as polarised as has been portrayed. Labour’s current stance on oil and gas risks further dividing the party from the overwhelming majority of Scottish voters, who continue to see the sector as absolutely vital to the country’s economic and energy future. Similarly, the SNP’s opposition to oil and gas production puts it at odds with the views of the electorate, leaving a significant political gap that could be exploited by other parties.
“It should be clear to all parties that future decisions on energy policy must align with public sentiment, recognising that oil and gas remains the backbone of Scotland’s energy security, economic prosperity, and thousands of skilled jobs. Any policy that undermines the sector risks catastrophic consequences for the country’s future.
The results follow polling results by Opinion Matters for BIG Partnership – revealed in The Sunday Times, that Scottish voters see UK Labour leader Keir Starmer as a bigger influence on their voting decision that Scottish leader Anas Sarwar. When asked who had the greater impact on their vote, 30% of respondents named Starmer, while 13% said Sarwar.
Survey Results
‘Which, if any, of the following best represents your view?’
| Scotland should keep producing its own oil and gas while growing renewable energy | 42% | 415 |
| Scotland should keep producing a mix of its own oil and gas and renewable energy indefinitely | 27% | 272 |
| Scotland should keep producing its own oil and gas only with a plan to phase it out | 15% | 152 |
| Scotland should stop producing ALL oil and gas as soon as possible | 7% | 66 |
| None of the above | 5% | 54 |
| Scotland should stop producing its own oil and gas as soon as possible | 4% | 41 |
Fieldwork carried out 14.02.2025 – 18.02.2025.
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