THE BBC has been blasted for misleading Scots on what GERS figures show about Scottish independence.
On Reporting Scotland on Wednesday morning, presenter Sarah McMullan claimed GERS figures show the "notional deficit an independent Scotland would have faced last financial year" despite experts at a leading economic institute saying this is not the case less than 24 hours before.
The Fraser of Allander Institute, based at Strathclyde University, warned on Tuesday to use the annual GERS report into Scotland’s fiscal position in the UK to attack the economics of an independent Scotland “is to misuse it”.
Experts told commentators and politicians that the report could not be used to say “anything about an independent Scotland” in a briefing.
The report outlines how much tax was raised in Scotland, and estimates how much was spent by the Scottish Government or on its behalf by the UK Government . It also states the difference between these figures – or the net fiscal balance.
Sharing the Reporting Scotland clip, the Twitter/X account MSM Monitor said: "BBC Scotland is today circulating a fake claim that today's GERS figures represent a 'notional deficit' an independent Scotland would face in its first year.
"The Fraser of Allander Institute has said to use the figures to say anything about independence constitutes 'misuse'."
BBC Scotland is today circulating a fake claim that today's GERS figures represent a "notional deficit" an independent Scotland would face in its first year. The Fraser of Allander Institute has said to use the figures to say *anything* about independence constitutes "misuse". pic.twitter.com/Z1fowg7no4
— MSM Monitor (@msm_monitor) August 12, 2026
Another account sharing the clip said: "Sarah, you would appear to be misleading your audience. Can you desist please?"
Other users blasted the corporation for "predictable bias".
The figures on Wednesday showed Scottish Government revenue is growing faster than spending
Revenues raised in Scotland totalled £98.3 billion in 2025-26, up 7% on last year while spending grew at a slower pace.
Outgoings were £123.6bn in total, an increase of 4.8% over the year.
This is an improvement of 0.6 percentage points, compared with a one percentage point improvement for the UK as a whole, the Scottish Government said.
The Scottish Government said the figures showed "we are delivering sustainable finances" and stressed that the deficit showed Scotland's position within the Union and not "what an independent Scotland’s position will be".
Finance Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “GERS provides notional estimates for Scotland’s deficit as part of the UK – it simply does not show what an independent Scotland’s position will be.
"With the powers of independence we would be able to chart a different path, ensuring we grow the economy to allow Scotland to reach her full potential.”
The National has approached the BBC for comment.
