A POLL commissioned by the Press and Journal today reveals a shock slump in support for independence in the wake of the bitter currency row.
The independent snapshot of public opinion in the north and north-east was taken in the aftermath of Chancellor George Osborne’s claim that the nation would not be able to keep the pound if it broke away from the UK.
Just 17% of people quizzed believed Scotland should be independent – a drop of 10% compared to the last Press and Journal-commissioned poll 10 months ago. Another 18% were unsure while 65% will vote “no” on September 18, a 15% rise on the previous poll.
The results come as Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond bring their respective Cabinets to the north-east – and write exclusively for the Press and Journal.
The SNP leader will unveil details of £10million funding for a new centre to pioneer oil and gas technology, and Mr Cameron will give his full support to the oil and gas review chaired by industry doyen Sir Ian Wood.
Last night, north-east MSP and Better Together director Richard Baker said the poll was a major blow to the Nationalists in their heartland.
But a Yes Scotland spokesman said analysis of national polls showed a month-on-month increase in support for independence.