Half of those public sector leaders questioned believe the relationship between the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive is ineffective, according to the heads of public bodies.

The Eglinton Management Centre received responses to its survey from 50 chief executives, chairs and senior managers in public sector bodies.

Its survey was "largely positive" about the devolution settlement but there were reservations about the delivery of services.

It (the survey) also raises questions over the effectiveness of the relationship between the executive and parliament

Jim Rennie, Eglinton centre

Almost 94% said devolution had made the public sector more accountable but 62% believed that the executive had improved delivery.

Jim Rennie, a director of the Edinburgh-based Eglinton centre, said: "There were raised expectations about what could be delivered in the early stages of devolved government.

"But three years on there is still a sense of frustration in the public sector over what is still to be achieved.

"More positively the achievements of devolution are perceived to be significant - stronger focus and confidence, specifically Scottish solutions for Scottish problems and a greater level of accountability."

'Positive picture'

Nine out of 10 public sector figures questioned believed devolution would eventually improve the quality of life in Scotland but 40% thought it would take longer than five years.

About a third expected to see results within five years while 14% believed the quality of life was already improving.

Four out of five believed that devolution had resulted in a better quality of public engagement and discussion, while 56% rejected the suggestion that the system made Scottish politics more parochial.

Mr Rennie said: "Our survey paints a largely positive and confident picture of how devolution is delivering for Scotland.

"However, it also raises questions over the effectiveness of the relationship between the executive and parliament.

"Clearly a large number of public sector leaders have concerns over how well the two bodies are working together in post-devolution Scotland."