Majority back Scottish independence, says poll

Scottish independence now has majority backing north of the border and in the UK as a whole, according to a poll tonight.

Research by ComRes for the Independent on Sunday and Sunday Mirror found that support for the move had risen sharply over recent months.

The results are a boost for First Minister Alex Salmond as his Scottish National Party prepares to hold its autumn conference in Inverness.

In the UK overall, 39% of those surveyed agreed that Scotland should be an independent country – an increase of six points since May.

The number disagreeing with the statement had fallen four points to 38%.

In Scotland, the proportion supporting independence was up 11 points over the period at 49%.

Some 37% disagreed – down by nine points.

The SNP, which won an unprecedented overall majority in May elections, has promised to hold a referendum on independence towards the end of its five-year term.

ComRes surveyed 2,004 adults online on October 12 and 13. Data were weighted to be demographically representative of the population and by past vote recall.