Almost eight in ten chartered accountants surveyed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) said they are not confident about the state of the Scottish economy, according to a new poll carried out after last month’s Scottish Budget.

The survey found that only 6% of respondents said they had confidence in economic conditions, while 78% said they did not.

When asked what the Scottish Government should focus on, the most widely shared priority was the development of a long-term approach to economic policy and taxation.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) selected this option, making it the clearest area of agreement among those polled.

One ICAS member said: “Scotland needs a lower tax environment, with incentives for businesses to locate here, to attract entrepreneurs and increase productivity.

“There also has to be much more emphasis on education and training to build an attractive employee base.”

Support for Scotland’s business services sectors was the second most commonly cited priority.

Respondents also highlighted vocational training and workplace learning as important, underlining a focus on skills as part of longer-term economic stability.

The ICAS said the results align with its reaction to the Scottish Budget, where it argued that small, incremental tax adjustments and short-term initiatives do not provide the strategic direction it believes is needed to underpin lasting economic growth.

ICAS CEO Gail Boag said: “Our findings reveal deepening concern among chartered accountants about the lack of a clear, long-term economic strategy for Scotland.

“With the Scottish elections approaching, the next government must take decisive action beyond incremental tax tinkering and set out a more coherent economic vision.

“One that delivers tax stability, supports key growth sectors and invests in skills to strengthen Scotland’s long-term competitiveness.”