May elections: Scotland's pensioners have their say on the issues facing Scotland

Scotland has an ageing population and the “silver vote” will be crucial at this May’s Holyrood election.

In their fight to win over pensioners across the country, politicians will have to consider how to tackle the top issues facing Scots – the NHS, the cost of living crisis and immigration.

The SNP continue to lead in the polls, but Reform UK are gaining ground as Scottish Labour’s support falls sharply.

Ahead of the election, I visited Whitburn, a small town in West Lothian, that recently voted for a Reform UK councillor – securing Nigel Farage’s party’s first electoral success in Scotland (the rest of his councillors are all defectors).

Politics

Reform surges behind SNP as Labour support falls, poll shows

Ipsos Scotland Political Pulse survey gives John Swinney’s party a 17-point lead over Reform UK ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

Some residents warned that a lack of housing has exacerbated tensions with immigrant communities, but others weren’t convinced about the rise of the teal tide.

While the Scottish Government lacks formal immigration powers, its housing bill would grant refugees the same priority as local families for social housing – a policy seen as a significant pull factor for those looking to settle in the country.

But it’s not just immigration on voters’ minds. There is also concern about a lack of jobs and investment.

‘There’s a lack of jobs’

Kathleen, a small business owner hoping to grow her HR firm to support her when she retires, told STV News that UK Government budget decisions – including the hike to employer national insurance contributions and the newly passed employment rights bill – had made hiring harder.

At this year’s election, she’s looking to the Scottish Government to help drive workers to reskill and retrain, particularly given the rise of AI, and wants to see incentives that will bring over-50s back into the workplace.

Pubs and restaurants in Scotland are also calling for more financial support, similar to the rates relief announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves for businesses south of the border.

Kathleen says she hopes the Scottish Government will help older workers reskill and retrain STV News

And Scottish companies are concerned about an “existential threat” posed by the non-domestic rate revaluation. John Swinney’s SNP is viewed as being more pro-business than previous SNP administrations, but firms want to see more commitment to economic growth.

The social care sector is another that plays a critical role in the lives of Scotland’s elderly population. It is also under strain due to workforce shortages and financial pressures.

Community initiatives like Meal Makers – where volunteers prepare food for neighbours who are unable to cook for themselves – are vital to support older people who can’t rely on family or carers.

Families are keen to hear about how the challenges can be addressed.

Andrew, whose dad David benefits from the Meal Makers scheme, told Scotland Tonight: “It’s easy for people who have reached a certain age to be sidelined because they’re not so visible – but they’re still an important part of society.”