Fraser of Allander Institute

The Fraser of Allander Institute has emerged as a central reference point in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, with its analysis of party manifesto costings helping set the terms of fiscal debate. Alongside the Institute for Fiscal Studies, it is one of the key bodies stress-testing Scottish Conservative and Reform UK spending pledges against Scotland's devolved budget constraints.

Founded in 1975 at the University of Strathclyde, the institute conducts independent research into the Scottish economy, labour markets, and public finances. Its quarterly Scottish economy reports are read by the Scottish Government, Holyrood committees, and business bodies. It sits within Strathclyde Business School and receives no Scottish Government core funding, preserving its independence.

The institute occupies a distinct role from London-based think tanks: it focuses specifically on Scotland's devolved fiscal framework, block grant mechanics, and the Scotland-specific effects of UK-wide economic policy. In election periods its modelling carries particular weight because few organisations have comparable depth on Holyrood's spending powers.