A NEW map has revealed how support for independence has surged across most of Scotland since 2014.
Independence group Business for Scotland compiled an image of the country using data taken from recent polls, which illustrates the extent to which the No majority in most regions has now been replaced with Yes voters.
At the time of the 2014 referendum, just one of the eight areas shown on the map – Glasgow – had a Yes majority.
However, now just three areas –West Scotland, South Scotland and Mid Scotland and Fife – have retained more than 50% support for the Union.
And only one – South Scotland –has seen any kind of increase in backing for No over the past six years.
The biggest rise in support for independence has taken place in Glasgow, where an increase of 14% means two-thirds now back Yes. Other significant pro-independence increases include North-east Scotland, which has risen by 13% to reach 57%.
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Both Lothian and the Highlands and Islands have seen a rise of 12% in Yes support, taking the overall totals to 53% and 56% respectively. In Central Scotland, the Yes vote has gone up by 7% to reach 56%.
Even regions where there is still a No majority have seen a rise in support for independence – up by 3% in the West of Scotland and Mid Scotland and Fife.
Only South Scotland has had some growing backing for the Union, with No support rising by 3% since 2014 to give an overall total of 63%.
SNP Westminster deputy leader Kirsten Oswald MP welcomed the findings, saying “poll after poll” has shown rising support for independence, with majority support now the established position.
She said: “It’s brilliant to see support for independence growing across Scotland and it is vital that we look to build on that.
“These figures show that the people of Scotland, in increasing numbers, have confidence in Scotland’s future as an independent country and are rejecting the failed Union.”
She added: “Boris Johnson’s position to deny the people of Scotland the right to decide their own future is utterly unsustainable and it’s crumbling right before our eyes, as senior Tory ministers concede that a second independence referendum is inevitable and instead attempt to shift the goalposts.
“Scotland’s right to choose lies solely with the people of Scotland – not Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings.”
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: “It’s encouraging to see support for independence increase across most regions, as it has done nationally.
“The rise in support in Glasgow, the North East, Highlands and Islands and Lothian is particularly striking. It’s increasingly clear that we will take our future into our own hands and build a better Scotland.”
The new map comes after a poll published by Business for Scotland last Wednesday revealed overall support for independence has reached a record high of 55%.
The research by Panelbase found the results of the 2014 independence referendum – when 55% of Scots voted to stay in the United Kingdom – were reversed.
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Overall, 51% of those questioned said they support independence, 42% said they would vote to stay in the UK and 7% of voters were undecided.
When undecided voters were excluded, 55% favoured Scotland leaving the UK, with 45% preferring to stay in the Union.
Business for Scotland chief executive Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp described the results as a “huge landmark”. “There is no conclusion to draw from this new set of data other than the writing is very definitely on the wall for the Union,” he said.
Another poll published last Wednesday by Savanta ComRes found support for independence at 54%, when undecided voters are removed.
The polling firm also asked participants about their regional voting intention in next year’s election and put the SNP at 43%, the Tories at 21% and 16% for Labour.
It was revealed on Friday that UK Cabinet Minister Michael Gove had met privately with figures from other parties to discuss support for the Union in the wake of the polls showing rising support.
Deputy first minister John Swinney said: “I think what we’re now seeing is the UK Government accepting that there will have to be a referendum on independence, and that’s a welcome and democratic position for them to take.”
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