Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is a continuous survey based on a sample of the general population in private residences in Scotland. It is financed by the Scottish Government (previously the Scottish Executive). The survey started in 1999 and up to 2011 followed a fairly consistent survey design. From 2012 onwards, the survey was substantially redesigned to include elements of the Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) (available from the UK Data Service under GN 33296) including the follow-up Physical Survey component. The survey is run through a consortium led by Ipsos MORI. The SHS is designed to provide reliable and up-to-date information on the composition, characteristics, attitudes and behaviour of private households and individuals, both nationally and at a sub-national level and to examine the physical condition of Scotland's homes. It covers a wide range of topics to allow links to be made between different policy areas.Further information about the survey series, and links to publications, can be found on the Scottish Government's Scottish Household Survey webpages.

Latest edition informationFor the second edition (May 2019), revised data has been deposited; due to an error in the matching of geography variables, a small number of households were allocated to the incorrect data zone which led to the incorrect assignment of geography-related variables. Minor changes have been made to the following variables: SHS_2CLA_11 MD12QUIN MD16QUIN.

Main Topics:

The main topics include: the composition and characteristics of household members, adults and households in Scotland; housing; neighbourhoods and communities; economic activity; finance; transport and travel; internet; sport; local services; environment; volunteering; and culture and heritage.

One-stage stratified or systematic random sample

Face-to-face interview: Computer-assisted (CAPI/CAMI)