The Scotsman cartoon: Devo max the popular option

Most Scots want Holyrood to be handed full control over tax and spending decisions.

Illustration: Iain Green

The so-called “devo max” plan is backed by 32 per cent of voters according to the latest Scottish Social Attitudes survey, with 31 per cent backing independence.

But the research shows when voters are asked to choose between independence and more devolution, 61 per cent would back ‘devo max’ and only 39 per cent independence.

The Scottish Government had been open to the prospect of a third option on more powers for Holyrood being on the ballot paper, but this was ruled out by Westminster in the “Edinburgh Agreement” which was struck to stage the referendum