Growing confidence and optimism about Scotland’s potential

As the SNP gathers in Aberdeen, new research has found that confidence in an independent Scotland’s economic prospects has soared.

Here’s what the latest Survey from the National Centre for Social Research found:

• 41 per cent of Scots now believe independence will be positive for Scotland’s economy – up from 26 per cent last year.

• 49 per cent of Scots now believe an independent Scotland will have a stronger voice in the world – up from 33 per cent last year.

• An independent Scotland is the most popular constitutional option – with support at 48 per cent.

SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay said:

“These figures confirm that the SNP are winning the economic arguments about Scotland’s future.

“As Labour and the Tories are blinkered by negativity and the chaos of Brexit – the SNP is focused on hope and ambition for Scotland.

“More people across Scotland now think that independence will benefit our economy than those who think it will be negative – and more and more people across Scotland believe that independence will give us a stronger voice in the world.

“Independence is now the most popular constitutional option, with an overall majority for independence within touching distance.

“As the Sustainable Growth Commission report has outlined in recent weeks, independence can offer significant benefits to Scotland’s economy, allowing us to improve growth and boost jobs right across the country.

“This survey underlines how confidence in Brexit UK is crumbling – and with people increasingly concerned about what the future holds for Scotland as part of the UK, it is no wonder that people are discussing the immense economic opportunities of independence.”