Scots are turning against Nicola Sturgeon’s wish for another referendum on independence, a YouGov poll for The Times has indicated.

The research found that opposition to independence has hardened in the last three months and fewer Scots want another referendum on the issue, particularly before Britain leaves the EU.

Perhaps more worrying for Ms Sturgeon is the poll’s conclusion, for the second time in three months, that the first minister is unlikely to have a pro-independence majority at Holyrood after the next election in 2021.

The results indicate that the SNP would remain the largest party at Holyrood, however. It has the support of 38 per cent of the constituency vote and 32 per cent of the regional list ballot. The Conservatives came second with