More than two-thirds of Dundonians are backing independence, according to new SNP figures.
In an interview with The Courier, Alex Salmond revealed that polling results carried out by pro-Yes campaigners on the city’s doorsteps put the figure at 65% the highest in Scotland.
The First Minister also claimed that results from other areas were showing the rest of the country could be beginning to follow Dundee’s lead.
He said: “That’s an extraordinary figure. It is certainly the highest canvas in the whole of Scotland and shows the City of Discovery is certainly the city of Yes.
“There is morale in this city now which wasn’t there. I think people approve of what the SNP Government has done.
“They approve of the city council’s attitude and people think Dundee is on the move in a positive way.
“They can see the transformation on the waterfront that is going on, they can see the huge investment in the Victoria and Albert, they can see the plans to utilise the port for employment and they know the great success the universities and life sciences are having.
“It is definitely a city on the move and tails are up. Don’t get me wrong, there are still huge substantial problems in this city, but nonetheless morale is on the up and that’s a great thing.
“I think that makes this city more receptive to the Yes message, which is basically an optimistic message. This city will vote resoundingly Yes.”
Mr Salmond was mobbed by supporters as he campaigned in Dundee city centre on Monday and seemed buoyed by the reception.
He talked up the “optimistic, carnival mood” he has found on the campaign trail.
“I am finding enthusiasm across the country,” said Mr Salmond. “Obviously we are not just winning in Dundee, we are winning in other places. I was in the Buchan villages at the weekend, and in Ellon, and it was doing great. “A huge number of people were out campaigning so I’m very confident about where Aberdeenshire is going, and Aberdeen as well.
“There has been a big change in the North East in the last couple of months but our campaign in Glasgow and Lanarkshire is very strong.
“I think we’re strong across Scotland. Different areas will respond to the message at different paces but that’s just the way things are.”
When asked to lay out three positive impacts of independence for Tayside and Fife, the First Minister said the regions’ influence would be strengthened by a Yes vote.
He also insisted he was still “very confident” of manufacturing jobs in the renewable energy sector coming to Dundee so it and Methil can be the industry’s “natural home”, while he talked up the city’s culture and universities.
Mr Salmond added: “The thing about Tayside and Fife is this area is a major area of Scotland. Tayside, Dundee can’t be ignored.
“Dundee is a major port, Gleneagles is going to be the world centre for golf for the next few weeks, Perth is the fastest growing city in Scotland and one of the fastest growing in Europe, Angus communities are heartland communities.
“This is a hugely important area for Scotland, it is not peripheral and it shouldn’t think of itself as that. On the contrary it is part of the centre of Scotland.”