The SNP leadership has signalled it is in no hurry to call for a second independence referendum – and will not do so until it believes it can win.
Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday – on the anniversary of the vote – there were “no shortcuts”.
In a speech in Edinburgh, the first minister emphasised the need to build support for the cause “in the years ahead” into a “clear majority”.
Deputy leader Stewart Hosie similarly insisted it would be silly to “rush into” a second vote.
It would be “right” to hold one, he added, if the opportunity arises where there is public demand and “we can win”.
He told a radio programme: “We can’t simply have a ‘neverendum’. We can’t simply hold referendums that we don’t win.
“Unless there is clear evidence of people who voted No in substantial numbers now saying we don’t just want a referendum, we vote to vote Yes, unless that was absolutely clear, I think it would be silly to rush into a second referendum.”
Meanwhile, former first minister Alex Salmond has insisted independence is “the way the wind is blowing”.
Speaking as he signed copies of his book about the referendum campaign – The Dream Shall Never Die – in Glasgow, the Gordon MP said it is inevitable that Scotland will leave the UK at some point.
Addressing an audience in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said: “If we are to win independence, we must convince a majority of Scots that it represents the best future for Scotland.
“That was true last year, it is true now and it will be true at all times in the future. There are no shortcuts.
“Independence won’t happen just because its supporters become more impatient for change. An even more committed, enthusiastic and impatient 45% is still just 45%.
“If Scotland is to become independent, we must build the support for independence.
“Just as in the referendum campaign, it grew from 30% to 45%, we must in the years ahead take it from 45% to a clear majority.
“That means we must persuade the people we failed to persuade last year.
“That means understanding why they voted No and it means addressing those concerns, patiently, carefully and comprehensively.”
The SNP leader said it would be “wrong” to propose a second referendum without a fundamental change of circumstances or a strong indication that a significant number of those who voted No last year had changed their minds.
But, she added, it would also be wrong to rule out another vote indefinitely.
Among the triggers for a second referendum, Ms Sturgeon included the removal of Scotland from the EU against its wishes.
“Last year we were promised our place in the EU was safe – but only if we voted No. How times change,” she said.
“I have said before – and I repeat again – that if Scotland was to find itself facing a EU exit that we hadn’t voted for, demand for a second independence referendum could well be unstoppable.”
More detail is to be set out in the SNP’s manifesto ahead of next year’s Scottish elections, but there has been speculation a vote in favour of renewing Trident could also prompt a second poll.
Ms Sturgeon used another part of her speech to call on Jeremy Corbyn to show his party will put the rights and protections of Scottish workers before “partisan opposition” to further powers for Holyrood.
The SNP leader laid down the gauntlet to the new Labour leader, who is due to visit Scotland in the next few weeks.
She urged the veteran left-winger to join the SNP to campaign against austerity “in a way that his predecessor refused to do”.
In addition, she used the occasion to launch the SNP’s Holyrood election campaign, 230 days ahead of the vote.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney will be the party’s campaign director and Mr Hosie oversee development of the manifesto.
The baby of the House of Commons, Mhairi Black, is to lead a campaign aimed at young people after Holyrood voted to enfranchise 16 and 17-year-olds in Scottish Parliament elections.