Since losing the independence referendum membership of the SNP has soared to over 120,000 and the popularity Nicola Sturgeon has grown across the UK.


“The referendum inspired a quite extraordinary level of enthusiasm and energy. It was recognised around the world as a model of peaceful democratic engagement. The turnout was the highest for any vote on such a scale ever held in the UK,” said Ms Sturgeon.


The First Minister said the unionist parties had called on Scotland to stay in the union and lead the political debate. Now it was time for them to demonstrate what they preach, but less oſten practice, that the UK is a family of distinct nations, all with equal status and respect.


“Legislation to give additional powers to the Scotish Parliament is currently being considered by the Westminster Parliament,” said Ms Sturgeon.


“SNP, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs from Scotland have put forward a large number of amendments to strengthen that legislation, but not a single one has been accepted. The proposals of parties which represent 58 of Scotland’s 59 constituencies have been disregarded,


6 September 2015


Detailed analysis of the sample found the over-60s are the most likely to support staying in the union by a ratio of 68 per cent to 32 per cent.


by a party which represents just one.”


Much to the dismay of the unionist parties, support for independence appears to be growing. A YouGov poll carried out in May this year asked 1,000 people how they would vote if there was another referendum. The result was 47 per cent for Yes and 53 per cent for No.


Detailed analysis of the sample found the over-60s are most likely to support staying


in the union by a ratio of 68 per cent to 32 per cent.


Every other age group appears in favour of independence. The Yes side leads by 54 per cent to 37 per cent among 18-24 year-olds, 47 per cent to 44 per cent among 25-39 year-olds, and by 50 per cent to 44 per cent among 40 to 59 year-olds.


“Scotland has changed beyond all recognition in the last 12 months. People are no longer willing to sit back and accept what they are told or what they are given. They want change and they are ready to do something about it,” said Susanne McLaughlin.


“The referendum was a defining moment for everyone in Scotland, regardless of how they voted. It was a beginning, not an end. It has ended years of apathy and got more people engaged in the debate about what kind of society they want to live in.


“I could never say I’m glad we lost but I do wonder if we would now have the kind of enthusiasm and engagement we do if the Yes side had won the referendum.”


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