The SNP could be on course for its best Scottish parliament election result ever

The SNP is heading for its best Scottish parliament election result yet, with the party on course to win a record 70 seats — which would put independence again at the forefront of politics, according to a new poll.

The latest Panelbase survey for The Sunday Times puts the nationalists on 51% in the Holyrood constituency vote (+8 since our last poll in November). The Conservatives, under new leader Jackson Carlaw, are unchanged on 26%, with Labour falling back to 14% (-5), the Lib Dems on 6% (-2) and Greens on 3% (+1).

Support for the SNP has also soared for the regional vote, up 10% to 48%, with the Tories unchanged on 26%, Labour on 13% (-5%), Lib Dems on 6% (-3) and Greens