The July 1977 issue of our Commentary suggested that "the East End of Glasgow was the most socially deprived area in the most socially deprived region in Europe - Strathclyde". Coupling this with the popular conception of a prosperous East, one is left with the impression of a dual society in Scotland. The purpose of this article is to collate and present several tables of indicators of the "quality of life" in Scotland, both comparing its constituent elements and putting the nation in a wider UK context. Further, we shall tentatively suggest which might be considered "key indicators". This seems an opportune point in time to initiate such a study and to prepare the ground for more comprehensive secular and regional comparisons in the future.