American Millennials find Scottish accents the most trustworthy in the world
Our US cousins were polled on which brouges put them at ease.
12 states voted the Scottish accent the most trustworthy
(Image: George Clerk via Getty Images )
We Scots are famed for having a gorgeous range of accents, but a new study has revealed that our voices are also see as trustworthy to certain people. Many of our American cousins across the Atlantic associated a good, Scottish brogue with honesty and dependability.
This won't come as a huge surprise to many of us, given that those in the US are constantly swooning over a Scots accent, and our voices have even been deemed the UK's sexiest.
But the study, carried out by Podcastle, dug a little deeper and found that our lilt is especially warming to US Millennials. That generation, who are mostly now in their 30s, found the Scottish accent to be the most trustworthy in the world.
This comes off the back of a survey in 2023, which saw the Scottish accent voted by Americans as the most charming in the world, surpassing all other competing accents in Britain.
In this previous poll it was also named the second most beautiful accent, as well as the second most attractive accent in the world. Scottish was also the second most calming and the second most funny accent.
The Podcastle poll took in the opinions of 1,000 Americans, and found that our Stateside cousins were more inclined to trust people on this side of the Atlantic.
Article continues below
And there was a distinct lack of trust for people with a New York accent. Less than one in 10 found in trustworthy, and a Southern American lilt was significantly preferred to their Big Apple compatriots.
Americans found UK accents - especially RP and Scottish brogues - to be the most trustworthy
(Image: Podcastle )
A total of 12 US states voted the Scottish accent the most trustworthy, but it wasn't the overall winner as the Received Pronunciation (RP) accent was voted the most trustworthy on the whole.
The stereotypical well-articulated, south of England brogue was seen as comforting and honest by a whopping 26 states in the poll.
The RP accent, which has also been known as 'The Queen's English' or 'BBC English' - a term in the Cambridge Dictionary - was the most appealing and calming for 40 per cent of Americans.
The most attractive accent overall was the British RP accent, known as 'the Queen's English'
(Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage )
It was also revealed that those sporting this style of pronunciation are the most desired for podcasts, audiobooks, YouTube, and TikTok.
The Southern American accent came in second place, with 31 per cent of Americans saying they found it trustworthy and 70 per cent associating it with calmness.
However, it still trailed the British RP accent in every major trust and preference category. The British RP accent wasn't just seen as trustworthy, but also proved to be a hit in the romance department.
Nearly 40 per cent of Baby Boomers in the US said they find British accents the most romantic, preferring them over Latin American or Australian tones.
And while Millennials were more inclined to trust a Scot, Gen-Z leant towards a more neutral American tone.
Arto Yeritsyan, Podcastle's CEO explained how this accent can influence how Americans feel about the speaker.
Benedict Cumberbatch's accent is a textbook example of British RP
(Image:)
The CEO said: 'Whether it's David Attenborough, Emma Thompson, or Benedict Cumberbatch, it's clear that the British RP accent signals intelligence, warmth, and trustworthiness to American ears."
Article continues below
The expert highlighted the importance of accents in media, saying: "This isn't just about how we speak – it's about how we're perceived.
"For content creators, choosing the right voice can be just as important as what's being said.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
3 hours ago
- Scotsman
Grouse shooting's contribution celebrated, but muirburn licensing risks benefits
Scotland's largest shooting and conservation organisation, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is marking the start of the red grouse season by celebrating the enormous economic, social, and environmental contributions that grouse shooting makes to Scotland. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Shooting sustains thousands of jobs across rural Scotland and contributes £340million (GVA) to the Scottish economy, spanning gamekeeping, hospitality, sporting tourism, and local services. Beyond the economic input, the Glorious Twelfth unites communities, embodies heritage, and sustains the network of land managers, gamekeepers, and volunteers who safeguard our uplands. Their expertise is central to the responsible stewardship of these landscapes. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Latest figures from BASC's Natural Capital report show that the recreational value to those involved in grouse shooting is £9.2 million, whilst the value to the public of these managed landscapes, through footpath usage for example, is £1.2 million. BASC Scotland director Peter Clark However, the organisation has also warned that the new muirburn licensing could jeopardise effective moorland management, if poorly implemented. Muirburn (controlled burning of heather) actively enhances biodiversity, promotes fresh plant growth, supports species such as deer and grouse, and reduces wildfire risk by managing dry, combustible vegetation. Under the Wildlife Management & Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024, a licence will soon be required for all muirburn activities in Scotland. This comes into effect on 1 January 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BASC was instrumental in forcing the Scottish Government to postpone its proposed September implementation date over issues with the draft Code of Practice. BASC remains concerned that overly complex requirements, such as ambiguous peatland depth rules, confusing guidance between legal obligations and best practice, and restrictive slope limitations, could unintentionally hinder controlled burning. This, in turn, risks increasing fuel loads across moorlands and raising the threat of wildfires across Scotland's moorlands. Ahead of the 12th, BASC is urging the Scottish Government to make changes to the 2024 Act to ensure that muirburn licensing does not hinder effective moorland management. BASC Scotland director, Peter Clark, said: 'The start of the grouse season in Scotland is the culmination of months and years of hard work by gamekeepers and land managers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The figures speak for themselves; this is an integral part of the Scottish rural economy. 'Moorland management is an enormous part of protecting and enhancing Scotland's uplands, delivering both economic and environmental benefits. 'Yet the new muirburn licensing regime, in its current form, hinders moorland managers in their efforts to reduce wildfire risk and provide habitats for grouse.
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
Legal protection announced for 2 Scottish shipwreck sites
Two sites off the coasts of Orkney and Shetland have been recognised as nationally important to Scotland's marine history and have been granted special legal status under the Historic Marine Protected Areas. The Scapa Flow site off the coast of Orkney has been recognised due to it having a number of different historic marine assets, including the largest concentration of warship wrecks and other wartime artefacts in the UK. The island played an important role as a naval base during the two World Wars of the 20th century and was the location of the internment and scuttling of the German High Seas Fleet at the end of the First World War. READ MORE: Pod of 23 whales found dead on Scottish beach after mass stranding The Queen of Sweden, one of the best-preserved remains of a Swedish East India Company ship located in waters around Scotland, was also named under the new legal protections. The ship was built in Stockholm in 1741 to trade with China - the largest ship built for the company at that time – and sank off the coast of Shetland in 1745 during strong winds. Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said the designation would protect some of the most significant wreck sites in Scotland's waters. (Image: Scottish Government) She said: 'These two new Historic Marine Protected Areas - at Scapa Flow, and the Queen of Sweden wreck site in Shetland - are important additions to our network of Historic MPAs, which protect the most significant wreck sites across Scotland's seas. 'The designation of these sites recognises their national value and will help to ensure that future generations can continue to explore, learn from, and be inspired by Scotland's underwater heritage. I'm grateful for the support from local authorities, heritage bodies, and marine industries in bringing these designations forward.' The first Historic Marine Protected Areas were designated by the Scottish Government in 2013 to identify and protect marine historic assets of national importance which survive in Scottish territorial waters. It is a criminal offence to remove, alter, or disturb any of the protected sites across the country. For decades, items were allowed to be removed as long as their recovery was registered, leading to hundreds of items being added to private collections or becoming museum pieces. Director of Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, Elizabeth McCrone, welcomed the news as she said the sites can be perceived and enjoyed for generations to come. She said: 'We are delighted that Scapa Flow and the Queen of Sweden have been designated as Historic Marine Protected Areas. These sites are nationally important parts of Scotland's maritime history and this recognition will ensure they can be protected and enjoyed responsibly for generations to come.' Orkney Islands council leader Heather Woodbridge said the wrecked vessels, including those of the German High Seas Fleet, are a significant heritage asset to the island. She said: ' Sadly, the condition of the wrecks is deteriorating, and these important remains will not last forever. 'Officially recognising and protecting these sites is therefore vitally important to maximise their longevity. This Historic MPA will ensure these irreplaceable assets are protected from future human damage or disturbance while still allowing for responsible access, research and education where appropriate.' Shetland Islands council leader Emma Macdonald also welcomed the news as she said: 'The Queen of Sweden is one of the best-preserved 18th-century trading vessels, lying in shallow waters and popular with local divers. 'This designation will provide her with greater protection while ensuring she remains accessible to the diving community.'
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
What are Japanese anemones? All to know about invasive plant
From the more well-known Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed to other lesser-known culprits, some can cause serious damage if left unchecked. The worst invasive plants typically have UK laws in place to limit their spread into the wild. However, this invasive plant might be one less know, so here is all to know about Japanese anemones. Poisonous Plants Found in the UK What are Japanese anemones? As explained by the Royal Horticultural Society, Japanese anemones produce "saucer-shaped pink or white flowers on tall, slender, branched stems". The plant is considered easy to grow and is best planted in autumn or spring. They are herbaceous, which means they die back in winter and re-sprout in late spring. When done correctly, they can be a good plant to grow. Japanese anemones are available from plenty of garden centres, popular for their pretty pink or white open flowers with bright yellow centres. Japanese anemones can be white or pink (Image: Getty Images) After flowering, they provide a good source of pollen and nectar for late-summer insects. How to grow Japanese anemones As shown by Gardener's World, Japanese anemones, if planted in summer, flower in September, "putting on a stunning show in late summer and early autumn". It is suggested to plant Japanese anemones in moist but well-drained soil in light shade for the best results, as they will grow in most soil types, but struggle in wet winters. Gardeners should then grow Japanese anemones in "moist but well-drained soil in light shade". After planting, cut back after the Japanese anemones flower, or leave the seedheads for birds to eat in winter and then cut back after they have eaten them. When caring for the plant, the RHS explains that when newly planted, Japanese anemones need watering regularly, for at least the first summer. Simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden Once established, they should only need watering in long dry spells or if growing in a dry site. It is also recommended to mulch the plant, which is a layer of material placed on the soil around it to help it retain moisture and suppress weeds. Are Japanese anemones invasive? Despite the plant being a popular one to grow, experts warn that it can become invasive if left uncared for. The plant spreads by underground runners and can "quickly become out of control, and is very difficult to eradicate". They tend to be most invasive in loose, sandy soils, so it is recommended to consider growing them in a pot. Gardener's World says: "When growing in the right conditions, Japanese anemones can spread easily and may become invasive and outgrow the space you intended for them. "As well as self-seeding, they also send out rhizomes (spreading roots) that grow into new plants. Double Japanese Anemone — Darren Bird (@bird_darre5826) July 8, 2025 "To keep them under control, remove new shoots as they appear. Dividing and replanting established clumps can also help to control the spread of Japanese anemones." How to remove Japanese anemones If you are looking to remove the plant, as the Garden Doctor website says, it will take " a lot of effort and hard work". Here is a guide to remove the plant: Dig out the roots - Loosen the soil around the Japanese anemone, and gently lift the soil to unearth the roots without breaking them before using your hands to tease out the roots, ensuring you remove the entire network - Loosen the soil around the Japanese anemone, and gently lift the soil to unearth the roots without breaking them before using your hands to tease out the roots, ensuring you remove the entire network Monitor the area - After removing the roots, continue to monitor the area over the coming weeks and months. New shoots may appear from any root fragments missed, so use your hands to pull them out from as deep as possible to get as much of the root as possible - After removing the roots, continue to monitor the area over the coming weeks and months. New shoots may appear from any root fragments missed, so use your hands to pull them out from as deep as possible to get as much of the root as possible Mulch - Once most of the root system has been removed, cover the area with a thick layer of mulch, which works to suppress light and prevent any remaining Anemone roots from sprouting Recommended reading: Experts warn to remain vigilant and patient, as the process of fully removing Japanese anemones can take up to two years. It is also important to note that using herbicides will not be a quicker solution in the case of Japanese anemone. The method of hand-pulling will be kinder to the garden and more effective long term.
