The scale of the task facing Nicola Sturgeon has been laid bare by a new poll showing 57% support for the Union.
The YouGov survey for the Times also revealed that Ruth Davidson’s approval rating (+18) is higher than the SNP leader’s (+16).
The strong showing for the UK will provide a lift to Unionists, many of whom were wrong-footed by the timing of Ms Sturgeon’s demand for a second independence referendum.
But the 14 points lead compares with the 24-point cushion that the No campaign had one year ahead of the 2014 referendum.
Today’s poll, which revealed 43% backed independence, showed 46% think the UK Government should agree to a referendum, with 42% believing the request should be turned down.
The annual Scottish Social Attitudes survey, also published today, showed record support for independence.
The SNP’s Derek Mackay, who is Finance Secretary, said: “Today’s Times poll shows that a majority of Scots believe Theresa May should agree to a referendum, and that is what must happen given the Scottish Government’s cast-iron democratic mandate for one.
“And today’s Social Attitudes Survey shows support for independence at its highest ever level — with almost three quarters of young people backing independence.
A Survation poll commissioned by the Scottish Daily Mail found 53% wanted to stay in the UK and 47% backed independence, when don’t knows are stripped from the results.
Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale said: “These are yet more polls that show a majority of Scots are opposed to independence, despite the SNP’s desperate attempts to convince people to support the break-up of the UK.
“And there is clear opposition to Nicola Sturgeon’s plans for a divisive second referendum.”
An Ipsos Mori poll for The Herald last week showed that Scots were split 50-50 on the constitution.
Theresa May’s satisfaction score in Scotland is -10. Scots have a dim view of Jeremy Corbyn, whose rating has plummeted to -56.