A new poll has shown Scots are backing the SNP’s position on currency, despite repeated warnings from Westminster that there will no deal to share the pound.
A majority of those quizzed in the Panelbase study agreed that sharing the UK’s central bank in a currency union would be in the best interests of both an independent Scotland and the rest of the UK.
The results will provide a boost to First Minister Alex Salmond, who has faced repeated criticism for failing to set out a “Plan B” on the issue, as he takes his cabinet to Arbroath today.
The news comes a month after a poll run in England and Wales showed people backed a currency union in the south as well.
The latest poll, commissioned by Yes Scotland, showed an overall rise in support for leaving the UK – with headline voting intentions at 48% for Yes and 52% for No.
On currency, 56% of those polled said they backed the Scottish Government position, while a higher percentage of men and women said the dire warnings from the main UK parties on the pound made them more likely to vote Yes than No.
There was also strong support from people who voted Labour in 2011, with 51% backing the SNP stance.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the poll results last night.
She said: “These are extremely interesting findings, which help explain why the polls are steadily moving towards Yes.
“People in Scotland agree, by a margin of well over two to one, with the Scottish Government’s reasonable proposals to share the pound and the central bank in a currency union, which means Scotland being in charge of all our natural resources and tax and spending decisions.
“There is strong support for our currency proposals among women and men, and particularly among Labour voters.
“The poll also shows that the bullying of the Westminster parties continues to backfire, with more people being more likely to vote Yes because of it.”
The poll was conducted between August 12-15, after the first televised debate between Mr Salmond and Alistair Darling.
Many observers felt that Better Together leader Mr Darling had outperformed the SNP chief, particularly on the currency issue.
Yesterday, in a radio phone in, Mr Darling insisted that an independent Scotland would be “less successful and less prosperous” outwith the UK.
He added: “If you look at countries like Denmark, you pay a lot more in tax, the amount of money that people have got to spend is less, its energy prices are some of the most expensive in the world, so the idea that if you become a small country all your problems go away and there’s lots of money around, its just simply not true.”
Further reading: Last week a leading economist warned plans to share pound will put economy in tailspin.