New Poll Reveals Strong Support for Scottish Independence and Devolution

London, United Kingdom Aug 27, 2026 ALN: SCOTLAND would vote to become independent if a fresh referendum were held tomorrow – and the vast majority of the country thinks more powers should be devolved to Holyrood, new polling has found.

The survey of more than 2000 Scottish voters, run by Survation for the Diffley Partnership, also predicted how the results of Westminster or Holyrood elections would turn out, as well as canvassing on politicians’ popularity.

On independence, the poll found that 47% of people said they would vote Yes in a new referendum, while 43% said they would vote No. With the 9% of Don’t Knows removed, the split was 52/48 in favour of independence.

Voters were much more united in saying that the UK Government should devolve more powers to the Scottish Parliament, with 57% approving vs 21% disapproving (a net score of +36).

Results were even more strongly in favour of the Scottish Government devolving more power to council level, with 53% in favour against just 14% who opposed (a net score of +39).

Further, 51% of Scots said they agreed that some decisions are better made at the UK level, rather than devolved to the Scottish Parliament or local authorities, while 21% disagreed (for a net score of +30).

On Holyrood voting, the poll found that in the constituencies, the SNP would win 37% of the vote, with Reform UK in second place on 18%. Labour were in third on 17%, followed by the Tories on 11%, the LibDems on 10%, and the Greens on 5%.

For the Holyrood list vote, the SNP polled at 31%, with Reform again in second on 18%. Labour polled at 17%, the Tories 12%, the LibDems 11%, and the Greens 9%.

For a Westminster election, the SNP polled at 34% while Labour were in second on 19%. Reform UK were on 18%, the Tories on 11%, the LibDems on 8%, and the Greens on 5%.

The hard-right Restore Britain polled at 4%, but were not included in the Holyrood polling.

Elsewhere, the polling also found that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is currently the most popular politician in Scotland, with a net rating of +9.

The scores (from most popular to least popular) were:

• Andy Burnham: +9
• Ed Davey: -2
• John Swinney: -6
• Russell Findlay: -8
• Alex Cole-Hamilton: -8
• Gillian Mackay: -9
• Kemi Badenoch: -13
• Ross Greer: -16
• Malcolm Offord: -17
• Zack Polanski: -25
• Nigel Farage: -31
• Donald Trump: -57

Mark Diffley, the founder and director of Diffley Partnerships, said: “Andy Burnham has made a good early impression on Scottish voters. He is the only political leader tested in this survey to record a positive favourability rating and is viewed as the best option for Prime Minister by a clear plurality of voters.

“However, the polling also suggests that Burnham’s personal popularity has not yet translated into additional support for Scottish Labour. While Labour has seen some encouraging signs elsewhere in Britain, the party’s position in Scotland appears largely unchanged, with the SNP continuing to hold a substantial lead.”

He added: “While Andy Burnham appears to have succeeded in improving Labour’s image, there is little evidence so far of a corresponding Burnham bounce in Scotland. Turning personal popularity into votes, and rebuilding Labour’s competitiveness in Scottish politics, remains a significant challenge.”

SNP depute leader Keith Brown welcomed the poll. “For all the talk of a ‘Burnham bounce’, the only thing that has bounced up is SNP polling,” he said. “SNP voting intentions are up three points, miles in front of the Westminster parties, as the Scottish people demonstrate their support for the only party that will put Scotland’s interests first.

“Broken, Brexit Britain is in terminal decline and Andy Burnham just allowed energy bills in energy rich Scotland to soar to nearly £600 higher than the Labour Party promised. Through a fresh start with independence we will use our energy resources to build a wealthier Scotland anew and it is that broader vision that sees support for the SNP increase no matter who is behind the wheel of Westminster.”

Survation polled 2036 Scottish voters aged 16+ between August 13-24.