John Swinney

John Swinney has welcomed a new poll showing strong public support for the "big idea" of Scottish independence.

The leader of the Scottish National Party said Labour voters were favouring independence, despite the establishment of a Scottish parliament.

Support for independence is now running neck and neck with those favouring the status quo, according to the latest NFO System 3 poll.

The survey found 44 per cent for and against independence, with 11 per cent expressing no view.

"Labour boasted that devolution would kill off the drive for independence. This poll shows that it has achieved the exact opposite," said Swinney.

The nationalists pointed to previous surveys that found public discontent with the powers of the parliament as a reason why support for independence was rising.

"Whilst the performance of the parliament has disappointed many, this poll shows yet again that people understand that our parliament does not have the powers it needs to deliver and have not lost faith in the country's ability to be the best it can be.

"Support for independence is the big idea in Scottish politics and is rapidly gaining massive support," the SNP leader said.

Analysis of the findings showed that every age group under 55 backed independence, while 42 per cent of Labour voters also favoured the option.

"This result is a massive vote in favour of releasing our nation's potential and against the parochial 'do less better' politics of the Labour establishment," Swinney said.

"When asked how people would vote in a referendum, independence is now running neck and neck with the status quo. If the referendum was held tomorrow the result would be too close to call."

The survey of 1030 people was conducted between January 3 and January 9.