Scottish independence support dips

Aug 19 2012

Support for Scottish independence appears to have dropped in the wake of the Olympics, a new poll suggests.

Just over a quarter (27%) of the 1,177 Scots adults questioned in the Scottish Mail on Sunday poll said they believe Scotland should become an independent country.

Three in five (60%) said they opposed independence while 13% said they did not know.

This contrasts with research published on August 1 which found that 30% of people wanted Scotland to leave the United Kingdom and 54% did not, with 16% undecided.

YouGov carried out that earlier study for the Fabian Society, questioning 1,029 people in Scotland between July 17 and 20, before the Olympics began.

The latest Scottish Mail on Sunday poll also asked if the referendum on Scottish independence should include a second question on extending the powers of the Scottish parliament.

Those surveyed were asked: "Some have argued that the referendum on independence should offer people the straight choice over whether Scotland should remain part of the UK. Others, however, claim that a third option should be included on the ballot paper, offering people the chance to vote for an extension of powers for the Scottish parliament. Regardless of how you would vote, do you think the referendum should...? Be one question with a straight choice over independent; Include a second question on extending the powers of the Scottish parliament; Don't know."

More than half (53%) backed one question with a straight choice over independence while 41% supported a second question on more powers for Holyrood.

The remaining 6% said they did not know.

The poll was carried out by Progressive Scottish Opinion between August 14 and 17.