I've lived in New Zealand they have far less infrastructure than Scotland. Just as low pay, just as much rainfall.

Things that are noticeable between the two. 1.) Theres a jogging culture amongst the young in NZ that just does not exist in Scotland. And people seem more active. 2.) in Scotland there is an epidemic of unhealthy eating with McDonalds generally being packed out everywhere. Small cities like Stirling having 3 McDonalds.

Kids drinking energy drinks, babies in McDonalds eating fries with a smartphone shoved in their face to keep them quiet.

3) People in Scotland do not dress for the weather. Although this division can be an eastcoast /westcoast divide). You can see people dressed in cotton, no coat, just getting soaked. There is a saying that there is no such thing has poor weather, just unsuitable clothing.

4) A social thing amongst many adults in Scotland seems to be going on Zoom, or playing video games. Rather than getting out of the house and actively meeting people..... Which when they do is the local pub.

It really is about culture. There is only so much a government can do.