The former rector of Dundee University Craig Murray believes the prospect of independence “has never been brighter” despite the surge in support for the Scottish Conservatives.
Ruth Davidson’s party will now form the official opposition at Holyrood and have called on the SNP to ditch any plans for a second independence referendum following Thursday’s Tory gains.
Writing in his blog, Mr Murray, a former diplomat, said:
“I find some social media comment unduly pessimistic on the prospects for Independence, which have never been brighter.
“It is not a question of whether the glass is half full.
“It is full.
“The head on the beer may be a wee bit deeper than we wanted, but the glass is full.”
Mr Murray said support will continue to grow for independence.
He said: “But the most helpful development of all is that it is now absolutely plain to everybody that the choice is between independence and the Conservative party.
“In a straight choice between independence and Tories, Scots would only go one way.”
Mr Murray said he has “no doubt” something will “crop up to justify a new indyref within the next four years”.
He added: “Do not worry.
“It will come.”
Mr Murray was rector of the University of Dundee from 2007 to 2010.