Scotland has been identified as one of the parts of the UK most affected economically by Brexit, according to a new academic report published ahead of the tenth anniversary of the referendum on European Union membership.

The report, titled Measuring the Regional Economic Cost of Brexit: Evidence as of 2026, estimates that Scotland experienced a nine per cent loss in Gross Value Added by 2023 compared with projections had the UK remained in the European Union.

Researchers suggest that equates to an annual economic loss of around £27 billion, placing Scotland among the regions most significantly affected by Brexit.

The findings come as political debate intensifies over the long term consequences of leaving the EU, almost a decade after voters across the UK backed Brexit in the 2016 referendum.

According to the report, sectors including whisky, food and drink, professional services, oil and chemicals have been particularly exposed because of their strong trading links with European markets.

Collectively, these industries account for around 44 per cent of Scotland’s exports to the European Union.

The report also estimates that the UK economy as a whole experienced a seven to eight per cent reduction in Gross Value Added by 2023 as a result of Brexit.

Commenting on the findings, SNP MSP Alyn Smith said:

“Ten years on from the Brexit vote, this latest report lays bare the facts, Scotland is still paying a massive price for being dragged out of the EU against our will.

“A Brexit which Scotland never voted has hammered our economy hitting our key food and drink and oil and chemicals industries hardest by making trade with our closest allies harder.

“The figures are eye-watering with cumulative totals showing Scotland is over £100 billion worse off, equating to nearly £20,000 per person.

“But the impact of Brexit goes way beyond the damage to our economy.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, we have been left isolated from our closest allies in Europe.

“Our NHS and care sector have been hit with staff shortages, and Brexit has driven up the cost of living for all of us.

“That’s not to mention the opportunities to study and work abroad enjoyed by my generation which have been robbed from our young people.

“Broken Brexit Britain is in terminal decline.

“The Labour Party has no idea of how to fix it and it seems inevitable that Nigel Farage, one of the architects of the Brexit disaster, will get the keys to Number 10 and isolate us yet further from our European neighbours.

“It is only with the fresh start of independence that Scotland can rejoin the EU, and it is only the SNP which is serious about creating a wealthier country back at the heart of Europe where we belong.”

Brexit continues to divide political opinion across Scotland and the wider UK, with supporters arguing it has restored greater control over laws and borders, while critics point to increased trade barriers and economic disruption.

As the tenth anniversary of the referendum approaches, the debate over Scotland’s relationship with Europe remains as politically charged as ever.