Nationalists welcome Scot independence poll

An opinion poll showing that nearly half of Scotland’s population backs independence has been welcomed by the Scottish National Party.

Forty six per cent of Scots asked by TNS System 3 were in favour of Scotland becoming a country independent from the rest of the United Kingdom, while 39 per cent were opposed and 15 per cent did not know.

SNP leader Alex Salmond said: “This poll is good news for the SNP and for Scotland. Independence is the big idea in Scottish politics and is now set to move to centre stage in this campaign. We have a chance to make Scotland’s parliament a powerhouse parliament.”

A total of 922 adults in 44 constituencies were interviewed as part survey between March 31 and 7 April 2005.