Scottish Hindu & Indian Voices

British Hindu & Indian Community Voices

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for taking part in this survey by INSIGHT UK.

Your voice matters. As the Scottish Parliament elections approach in May 2026, we want to understand what issues matter most to you and your family.

Important: If you are an Indian Passport Holder on visas, you are eligible to vote in Scottish Parliament elections. This survey will help ensure your concerns are heard by candidates and parties.

This survey takes around 5-6 minutes. All responses are confidential and will be used to advocate for our community’s interests.

INSIGHT UK takes privacy very seriously and is committed to protecting and respecting all personal data held about individuals. For more details, refer to our Privacy Policy. Read Here: https://insightuk.org/privacy-policy/

Firstname *

Lastname *

Email *

SECTION 1: About your Connection to Scotland

How long have you lived in Scotland? *

Less than 2 years

2–5 years

5–10 years

More than 10 years

Born in the UK

What best describes your current status in Scotland? *

British citizen

Commonwealth citizen with settled status

Student on visa

Working professional on visa

Permanent resident/ILR holder

OtherOther

What brought you to Scotland? (Select all that apply) *

Education/Studies

Work opportunities

Family Reasons

Quality of life

Business / Entrepreneurship

Safety and Stability

Born here

OtherOther

On a scale of 1–10, how strongly do you feel you belong in Scotland? *

110

1 (Don’t feel I belong) ——— 5 (Somewhat belong) ——— 10 (Strongly belong)

How would you describe your Ethnic Identity? *

Indian

British Indian

Scottish Indian

OtherOther

How would you describe your National Identity? *

British

Scottish

Indian

OtherOther

How would you describe your Religious Identity? *

Hindu

Sikh

Jain

Muslim

Christian

Which of these statements resonates most with you? *

I feel fully accepted and at home in Scotland

I feel welcome but still navigate between two culture

I sometimes feel like an outsider

I actively maintain my Indian/Hindu identity while embracing Scottish life

OtherOther

Section 2 – Your Political Voice

Are you aware that Commonwealth citizens (even on visas) can vote in Scottish Parliament elections? *

Yes, I knew this

No, I did not know this

I was unsure

Have you voted in previous UK or Scottish elections? *

Yes, regularly

Yes, sometimes

No, but I plan to vote in 2025

No, and I’m not sure if I will

Not eligible to vote

Regarding Scotland’s constitutional future, which statement is closest to your view? *

Scotland should remain part of the United Kingdom

Scotland should become an independent country

I don’t have a strong view either way

I need more information to decide

Prefer not to say

Have you ever contacted or engaged with your local MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament) or MP? *

Yes, and they were responsive

Yes, but I didn’t get a satisfactory response

No, but I would like to

No, I don’t know who they are

No, I don’t feel it would make a difference

Section 3 – What Matters Most to You

Rate how satisfied you are with the following in Scotland (1 = Very Dissatisfied, 5 = Very Satisfied) *

N/A

NHS healthcare services *

N/A

Quality of schools and education *

N/A

Support for families and children *

N/A

Job market and employment opportunities *

N/A

Affordability of housing *

N/A

Public transport *

N/A

Community safety *

N/A

Support for small businesses *

N/A

Below is a list of policy issues. Please rank your TOP 5 in order of importance (1 = most important, 5 = fifth most important)

Priority 1 *

Priority 2 *

Priority 3 *

Priority 4 *

Priority 5 *

Section 4 - Education & Families

To what extent do you find Hinduism is accurately and fairly represented in Religious and Moral Education (RME) / Religious Education (RE) in Scottish schools? *

Very accurately and fairly

Mostly accurately

Mixed / Inconsistent

Mostly inaccurate or limited

Not sure

Which Indian languages can you speak or understand? (Select all that apply *

Hindi

Punjabi

Telugu

Bengali

Marathi

Tamil

Gujarati

Odia

Assamese

OtherOther

How would you rate the current availability of Indian languages in Scottish public institutions (e.g., schools, councils, libraries, NHS)? *

Very limited availability

Some availability, but not sufficient

Adequate availability

Good availability

Excellent availability

Not sure

Do you believe Scottish public institutions (schools, councils, libraries, NHS) should do more to support and promote Indian languages? *

Yes, significantly more

Yes, somewhat more

Current level is sufficient

Less support is needed

Not sure

How well do Scottish schools currently recognise and accommodate major Hindu festivals (e.g., Diwali, Dussehra, Holi)? *

For international students and recent graduates: How much do post-study visa policies affect your decision to stay in Scotland? *

Major factor – would likely leave if restricted

Important consideration

Minor factor

Not relevant to me

Not applicable

Section 5 - Hindu & Indian Community Experience

On a scale of 1–10, how comfortable do you feel expressing your Hindu identity (wearing tilak, bindi, sacred threads, celebrating festivals) in public spaces in Scotland? 1 (Very uncomfortable) ——— 5 (Neutral) ——— 10 (Very comfortable) *

Have you or your family members ever experienced any of the following in Scotland? (Select all that apply) *

Subtle bias or stereotyping

Lack of understanding about Hinduism or Indian culture

Discrimination in workplace or education

Online harassment or hate speech

Physical harassment or intimidation

Negative portrayal in media

None of the above

Prefer not to say

On a scale of 1–10, how much of a concern is Hinduphobia (prejudice against Hindus) for you personally? *

1 (Not a concern) ——— 5 (Moderate concern) ——— 10 (Major concern)

How important is it for public institutions (universities, hospitals, councils) to provide Hindu chaplaincy services? *

Extremely important

Very important

Somewhat important

Not very important

Not important at all

Rate how important each of the following is to you (1 = Not Important, 5 = Extremely Important) *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

More Hindu temples and community centres *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Fair representation of Hinduism in religious education *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Recognition of Diwali as a public holiday *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

More Hindu/Indian representation in Scottish Parliament *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Cultural sensitivity training for public service workers *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Vegetarian/dietary accommodation in schools and hospitals *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Rate how important each of the following is to you (1 = Not Important, 5 = Extremely Important) *

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

N/A

Question 1 *

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

N/A

Question 2 *

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

N/A

Rate how important each of the following is to you (1 = Not Important, 5 = Extremely Important) *

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

N/A

Question 1 *

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

N/A

Question 2 *

Strongly Disagree

Disagree

Neutral

Agree

Strongly Agree

N/A

In your own words: What is one change that would make Scotland feel more inclusive and welcoming for Hindu and Indian families?

SECTION 6: Immigration & Family Unity

How much do current UK visa and immigration rules affect you or your family?

Significantly – creates financial or emotional hardship

Moderately – causes some difficulty

Slightly – minor inconvenience

Not at all

Prefer not to say

Which immigration issues concern you most? (Select up to 3) *

High visa fees for family members

Income requirements for spouse/partner visas

Restrictions on parents/elderly relatives joining family

ncertainty around post-study work rights

Delays in visa processing

No healthcare surcharge refunds when visas are refused

Lack of pathway to settlement for certain visa categories

None of these

OtherOther

SECTION 7: Healthcare (NHS)

How would you rate your overall experience with NHS Scotland? *

Excellent

Good

Average

Poor

Very poor

Haven't used NHS services

What is your biggest concern about healthcare in Scotland? *

Long waiting times for GP appointments

Long waiting times for hospital treatment

Quality of care

Lack of cultural sensitivity from healthcare staff

Mental health service availability

Dental care access and cost

None – satisfied overall

SECTION 8: Economic Concerns & Opportunities

Rate your level of concern about the following (1 = Not Concerned, 5 = Extremely Concerned) *

Not Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Very Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Rising cost of living *

Not Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Very Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Job security *

Not Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Very Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Housing affordability *

Not Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Very Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Access to business funding/support *

Not Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Very Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Energy bills *

Not Concerned

Slightly Concerned

Moderately Concerned

Very Concerned

Extremely Concerned

Are you or any family member running a business in Scotland? *

Yes, I run a business

Yes, a family member does

No, but considering it

If you run or are considering running a business: What support would be most helpful? (Select all that apply) *

Easier access to startup funding

Reduced business rates/taxes

Mentorship and networking opportunities

Simpler regulations and licensing

Support navigating visa requirements for business owners

Not applicable

SECTION 9: What You Expect from Political Candidates

When deciding who to vote for, how important are the following qualities in a candidate? *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Understands issues facing Hindu/Indian communities *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Has a track record of delivering results *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Is accessible and responsive to constituents *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Shares my values on family and education *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Supports small businesses and entrepreneurs *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Stands against discrimination and promotes equality *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Has clear positions on healthcare and NHS *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

Comes from a diverse background *

Not Important

Slightly Important

Moderately Important

Very Important

Extremely Important

What would make you more likely to vote for a particular candidate or party? (Select up to 3) *

Clear commitment to tackling Hinduphobia and anti-India bias

Policies supporting family reunification and fair immigration

Plans to improve NHS waiting times and healthcare quality

Support for international students and post-study opportunities

Commitment to recognizing Hindu festivals and cultural accommodation

Strong stance on improving education standards

Policies to reduce cost of living

Support for small businesses and entrepreneurs

Greater diversity and representation in government

Track record of community engagement

OtherOther

In your own words: What is the ONE issue that would most influence your vote in the Scottish Parliament election?

If a political party actively reached out to the Hindu/Indian community with culturally sensitive engagement, how would that influence your likelihood to support them? *

Much more likely to support them

Somewhat more likely

Would make no difference

Might view it negatively

Unsure

SECTION 10: Media, Representation & Perception

How fairly do you feel the Hindu/Indian community is represented in Scottish media and public discourse? *

Very fairly

Somewhat fairly

Not very fairly

Not fairly at all

Don't know/No opinion

How important is it to you that there are more Hindu/Indian MSPs in the Scottish Parliament? *

(Not important) ——— 5 (Moderately important) ——— 10 (Extremely important)

Do you believe Scottish political parties adequately understand the concerns of the Hindu/Indian community? *

Yes, definitely

To some extent

Not really

Not at all

Unsure

Section 11 - Looking Ahead

Imagine Scotland in 5 years. What is the ONE thing you most hope will have improved for Hindu/Indian families?

On a scale of 1–10, how optimistic are you about the future for Hindu/Indian communities in Scotland? *

1 (Not optimistic) ——— 5 (Neutral) ——— 10 (Very optimistic)

Would you be interested in becoming more politically active (attending community meetings, engaging with candidates, volunteering)? *

Yes, definitely

Yes, if I knew how to get involved

Maybe

No, too busy

No, not interested

Already active

How can INSIGHT UK best support you and the community? (Select all that apply) *

Provide voter education and information

Organize candidate meet-and-greet events

Create community forums for discussion

Advocate directly with political parties

Produce research and reports on community issues

Offer guidance on civic participation

Produce research and reports on community issues

Build coalitions with other community groups

OtherOther

Section 12 - About You (Demographics)

This information helps us understand different perspectives within our community. All responses remain confidential.

Age group *

18–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–64

65+

Prefer not to say

Gender *

Male

Female

Non-binary

Prefer not to say

Which region of Scotland do you live in? *

Edinburgh

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Dundee

Highlands

OtherOther

Apart from English, which languages do you know/speak/use (Select all applicable) *

HINDI

PUNJABI

TELUGU

BENGALI

MARATHI

TAMIL

GUJRATI

ODIA

ASSAMESE

OtherOther

Religion *

Hindu

Jain

Sikh

Prefer not to say

OtherOther

Highest level of education *

Secondary/High school

Undergraduate degree

Postgraduate degree (Master's/PhD)

Professional qualification

Prefer not to say

Employment status: *

Student

Employed full-time

Employed part-time

Self-employed/Business owner

Unemployed

Retired

Prefer not to say

Annual household income (optional)

Under £20,000

£20,000–£39,999

£40,000–£59,999

£60,000–£79,999

£80,000+

Prefer not to say

Do you have children? *

Yes, under 18

Yes, over 18

Prefer not to say

Is there anything else you'd like to share about your experience as a Hindu/Indian person in Scotland, or any issues we haven't covered?

Would you like to stay informed about INSIGHT UK's work and the election? *

Yes, please add me to your mailing list

No, thank you

Thank you for your time and your voice.

Your responses will help INSIGHT UK advocate effectively for the Hindu and Indian communities in Scotland. Together, we can ensure that the issues that matter to us are heard by those seeking to represent us in the Scottish Parliament.

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