Support for independence falls to post-devolution low

Support for independence fell to its lowest level since devolution, according to new research published today.

Just 23% of people agreed with the statement “Scotland should become independent, separate from the rest of the UK” in ScotCen Social Research’s annual Scottish Social Attitudes survey, conducted last year.

This figure equals the previous low recorded in 2010 and represents a drop of nine points on the 2011 figure, which stood at 32%.

Director of the survey Rachel Ormston said: “The Yes campaign still needs to convince a much wider section of the public that independence will bring real benefits, especially for Scotland’s economy.”

Yes Scotland chief executive Blair Jenkins said the survey’s findings needed to catch up further with “significant changes” in the independence debate that have taken place this year.