The SNP are headed for an outright majority at May’s Holyrood election, according to a new opinion poll.
Support for independence is still in the lead at 52%, although the number has slipped.
Around one third, 36%, also said the Salmond Inquiry had made them less favourable towards the SNP.
The sixth Holyrood election looks likely to be going ahead in May amid concerns about the pandemic.
A poll for Ipsos MORI/STV News has provided more good news for Nicola Sturgeon’s party.
It was based on 1031 voters in Scotland between February 15-21.
In the constituency vote, 52% (down 3% from November) said they are likely to vote SNP, with 23% backing the Tories, 15% supporting Labour and the Lib Dems on 5%.
On the regional List vote, the SNP were on 47%, the Tories 22%, Labour 14%, the Scottish Greens 8% and the Lib Dems in fifth place on 6%.
According to STV News, the poll projects the SNP will win 72 seats - a majority - with the Tories trailing on 26 seats, Labour on 17, the Greens on 9 and the Lib Dems on 5.
Asked about which, if any, issues will be very important in helping decide which party to vote for, 44% said independence and 32% said education.
However, although the poll provided good news for the SNP, it showed that ructions over the Salmond Inquiry could be having an effect.
Over a third of Scots (36%) said the Inquiry has made them less favourable towards the SNP, although 58% said it has made no difference to their view of the party.
Emily Gray, managing director of Ipsos MORI Scotland, said: “This latest poll from Ipsos MORI and STV News shows a fall in support for independence, and a corresponding increase in support for staying in the union – though Yes still has a four-point lead over No.
“That’s important for Scotland’s political parties, since independence is the top issue voters say will help them make up their minds about which party to vote for in May’s Holyrood elections.
“At this point the SNP look on course to win a majority of seats, but the next few weeks are set to be challenging for the party, with the Salmond inquiry ongoing.”
