Sturgeon puts Scots off leaving Britain

NICOLA Sturgeon’s drop in popularity is the biggest reason support for independence is collapsing in Scotland, a study has revealed.

- David Maddox and David Williamson

The embattled SNP First Minister is resisting calls to resign after an investigation found that she had misled the Scottish Parliament over her knowledge of sexual offence allegations against Alex Salmond.

A poll for the think tank Onward found support for independence has now dropped six points, from 56 per cent to just 50 per cent.

Mr Salmond’s supporters have accused Ms Sturgeon of lying. When she appeared before the investigation committee earlier this month, she was mocked for saying that she did not remember events.

The survey, carried out by consultancy firm Hanbury Strategy, was conducted over three months and is one of the most comprehensive opinion polls of the independence question in Scotland.