THE First Minister has welcomed Boris Johnson to Scotland this morning, arguing he highlights one of the “key arguments” for independence.

The Tory leader has travelled north to make the case for the Union amid word the Cabinet is in “full-blown panic mode” over rising support for Scottish independence.

About 54% of people support independence according to the latest polling, while Johnson’s approval rating has plummeted to 99% below Nicola Sturgeon’s.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson claims ‘Union has never been stronger’ ahead of Scottish visit

He is expected to make the economic case for the Union during his visit, saying last night that the coronavirus pandemic has shown the importance of standing “as one United Kingdom”.

While there have been no plans made for Sturgeon and Johnson to meet – the First Minister only found out he was making the trip from media reports on her birthday – she wrote a welcome message for him on Twitter this morning.

Sturgeon posted: “I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen. His presence highlights that.”

Her comment was followed by a picture of today’s Times cartoon, which shows Johnson running toward Sturgeon over crumbling letters reading “Union”.

He is reaching out his hand and saying “I’m here to help” as every step crumbles more of the word – Sturgeon is replying “you are helping!”.

Johnson – whose last trip to Scotland was in November when he attended the Scottish Tory manifesto launch in North Queensferry – is due to meet with members of the military during his visit today.

He’ll also meet with Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw.