AS one of the first Yes groups to test local opinion with a proper “on the ground” survey of views in its area, Yes Marchmont and Morningside in Edinburgh has been a bit of a trailblazer in the movement.
That’s why we are delighted to report the fairly staggering news that opinion on independence in what is a Unionist area appears to be on the turn, with direction of travel heading towards Yes or at least doubt about Scotland continuing in the UK.
Previous surveys in Morningside and Bruntsfield showed a solid majority for Scotland staying in the UK, but this time the adjacent area of Marchmont is showing strong evidence of opinions changing.
In Bruntsfield the proportion agreeing to the proposition that Scotland should leave the UK was 40% and in Morningside it was 36%.
The group have now completed their third survey of the ward, this time in Marchmont, where they interviewed 520 passers-by and got rather different results.
The group reported exclusively to The National: “We got 55% in favour of Scotland leaving the UK once the unsures – a high proportion at 27% – were taken out.
“We’re interpreting this as a distinct shift away from No, probably towards unsure: in 2014 we canvassed the area thoroughly and were getting around only 40% Yes.”
The surveys were done over four Saturdays in March at two locations, Roseneath Street, and the Marchmont Road/Spottiswoode Road junction between 11am and 1pm.
The group stated: “We found relatively strong support for Scotland leaving the UK, but also a high proportion who remain unsure about this.
“Although caution is needed in interpreting the results, they do suggest a shift of opinion since 2014, support for the Union having weakened towards unsure.
“This shift may well be related to the very strong opposition to Brexit in this area, which the great majority did not agree would bring financial benefits for Scotland.
“There is an overwhelming feeling that Scotland’s interests are not well represented in the Westminster Parliament: 89.5% of those expressing an opinion did not think Westminster was representing Scotland’s interests well.
“There is also very strong agreement with the proposition that Scotland has the resources to thrive as an independent country, with 75.9% in support among those expressing an opinion, though also much uncertainty on this, with 26% unsure.”
Their conclusion? “Arguably, we need to focus much more on the positive opportunities presented by independence, and reframe the argument in those terms.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel