 Voters said they wanted more police on the streets |
Putting more bobbies on the beat is the top priority of Scottish voters, according to an exclusive survey for BBC Scotland. Better pay for nurses and extra help for rural communities were identified as the next most important issues for the Scottish Parliament.
The study, conducted by NFO System Three, asked people what they wanted politicians to do rather than how they planned to vote.
BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor said the survey produced "an intriguing set of results".
Pollsters asked 1,033 people to pass their verdict on 21 key policies which could be addressed at Holyrood after the May election.
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Putting more police officers on the streets came top of the list, followed by paying nurses "a lot more" than at present. Support for Scotland's farming and fishing communities was third, followed by ensuring that schools and hospitals are built and run by public bodies rather then private companies.
Allowing 14-year-olds to study a trade in school was fifth, with moves to tackle troublesome neighbours in sixth position.
Further down the list, many Scottish National Party voters gave top billing to a referendum on independence.
However, others strongly disliked the idea, which pushed it down the overall league.
At the bottom of the list there was opposition to introducing charges for motorists in city centres and little support for increased arts spending.
However, the least popular policy was the introduction of top-up fees for university students.
The list of 21 priorities, which was drawn up by BBC Scotland with expert academic input, was based on the existing powers of the Scottish Parliament.
'Hugely popular'
Our correspondent said he hoped that the survey may help voters regain their authentic position at the centre of attention during the election campaign.
Turning to the results, Mr Taylor said: "Some surprised me, some met my expectations. I found the underlying detail to be simply fascinating."
He said that putting more bobbies on the beat was "hugely popular" with everyone - particularly the elderly, Labour voters and the lower social groups.
However, he admitted to surprise that support for farming and fishing communities took the third slot.
"It would appear that voters don't see these sectors as competitors lobbying for limited cash - but as core elements of Scottish society, deserving sympathy," said Mr Taylor.
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