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Nicola Sturgeon could lose her pro-independence majority at Holyrood and drop 11 seats in an election, according to a poll for the Record.

The survey suggests voters are drifting from the SNP, even though the party remain by far the most popular in Scotland.

Polling company Survation spoke to more than 1000 Scots for the snapshot on voting intentions ahead of the next Holyrood election in 2021.

Elections expert Sir John Curtice said the changing fortunes could put the SNP on 52 seats, down from 63.

Curtice, who analysed Survation’s results, said: “Today’s poll underlines the potential fragility of the SNP’s position.

“Just a small swing from the party towards Labour could result in significant further erosion of their representation at Westminster.

“Anything other than the smallest drop in the party’s support at Holyrood could easily mean that there would not be a pro-independence majority in Edinburgh.

“Meanwhile, there is still no sign that the uncertainty surrounding Brexit is persuading more voters of the merits of independence.

“Nicola Sturgeon needs to ensure that the impression does not grow that the nationalists’ time has been – and gone.”

(Image: PA)

Independence support is stuck at 45 per cent, and the pro-EU vote is up three points to 66 per cent.

At Holyrood, Labour under Richard Leonard would regain some of their losses but still fail to get ahead of Ruth Davidson’s Tories, who are pegged back by two seats. Both parties would end up tied on 29 seats each.

The Greens would add three seats if these results were repeated at the election – but the two pro-independence parties would still be four short of a majority.

The Lib Dems could see a return to fourth place, doubling their seats to 10.

At Westminster, the SNP vote is holding up with 36 per cent support, compared with Tories on 27 and Labour on 26.

A small shift from the SNP to Labour could see Jeremy Corbyn’s party gaining eight Scots constituencies, taking their total to 15. The tight margins mean the SNP stand to lose eight seats, taking them down to 27.

The Tories would fall to third place on 12 seats.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

SNP depute leader Keith Brown said: “The SNP, with our record of building a better Scotland and a message of hope for the future, holds a commanding 12-point lead over the nearest opposition.

“Meanwhile, Labour can’t even outpoll a Tory party in complete meltdown – showing that only the SNP can stand up against the Tories.”

(Image: Stuart Vance)

Rival MSP Neil Findlay said: “Only Labour are offering real change for Scotland’s communities.

Following on from the hard fought by-election win in Coatbridge South, it’s clear that Labour’s message of hope and transformation under Richard Leonard is starting to cut through to people.”

He added: “In the months to come, we will outline a vision of real change for our country, support for our public services and a plan to make our economy work for the many, not the few.”

Green party leader Patrick Harvie said: “The work of Green MSPs, protecting local services, making social security and income tax fairer, and fighting for Scotland’s environment, is clearly connecting with voters who want bold action from Holyrood.”