New poll shows Scottish independence support edging ahead by eight points

A Survation poll ordered by the Scottish National Party and released on the final day of the party’s conference shows a hypothetical independence vote at 54% Yes to 46% No, based on responses gathered from October 9-14 and removing “don’t know” answers. This eight-point lead follows two earlier Survation surveys and polls from YouGov and More in Common, which produced mixed predictions, leaving the average margin razor-thin.

John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, described the figures as evidence that momentum is building for a second referendum, noting weakened Unionist parties in Westminster and growing support for self-determination among other UK First Ministers. The poll arrives after Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Scotland and did not dismiss the possibility of a future referendum. The SNP plans to use the data to bolster its case for independence as it concludes its conference with a keynote address.