Majority of Scots back phase out of oil and gas in favour of renewables

New polling exploring attitudes toward Scotland’s energy future shows that the Scottish public supports a transition away from oil and gas in favour of renewable energy, with most believing that clean energy will deliver more jobs and greater energy security. 

The polling, conducted by Diffley Partnership and commissioned by Uplift, found that a majority of people in Scotland (57%) support the move away from oil and gas drilling in favour of investing in clean energy. 

The figures among younger people are even more striking. A clear majority of Scots under 35 (66%) oppose new drilling in order to prioritise renewables. 

Almost all respondents said they care about climate change – just 9% of Scots say they don’t – with nearly six in ten people saying that tackling climate change should be a high priority for the Scottish Government. 

A clear majority of under 35s – those with the most working years ahead of them – believe clean energy will provide the most jobs in the coming years.

Support for renewables among younger Scots, however, is driven by more than concern about climate change. A clear majority (61%) of under 35s – those with the most working years ahead of them – believe clean energy industries will provide the most job opportunities for Scotland’s energy workers over the coming years.

The polling also showed overwhelmingly that Scots believe that more investment in renewables and energy efficiency measures will result in Scotland having a secure and affordable supply of energy in the future, with nearly two third of people thinking this, compared with just a quarter (26%) who say that more investment in oil and gas drilling is the best path.

Even in North East Scotland, home to Aberdeen’s oil industry, half of those surveyed think that renewable energy is a better route to energy security, and a similar number think climate change should be a high priority for the next Scottish Government. 

While energy policy is largely reserved to the UK Government, many of the levers for delivering a successful transition are devolved. However, most Scots  do not believe the Scottish Government has taken enough action to boost jobs in renewable energy, with more than one in four (27%) saying it has completely failed to use the powers it has.

Overwhelmingly, respondents of the survey showed that they back a clear government-led plan for the North Sea transition. Over two thirds of voters want to see the UK and Scottish Governments deliver a plan for the transition to renewables now – with a third of Scots (34%) considering this to be ten years too late, given the years of decline in oil and gas production.  

Governments now need to listen to public opinion, focus on delivering the transition to clean energy – with more investment and better planning — and make sure it benefits workers and communities across Scotland.

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The survey of 2352 Scots was conducted by Diffley Partnership and commissioned by Uplift from 26th November to the 1st December 2025.