DOUGLAS Ross insisted he believes he will be Scotland’s next first minister four times last night as an interviewer read out polling figures showing the SNP is on track for a majority win at Holyrood.

STV’s John MacKay asked the Scottish Tory leader if he “seriously” believes he’ll win next year’s Scottish Parliament vote – to which Ross repeatedly said yes.

The most recent polling on Scottish Parliament election voting intentions shows 57% of people plan to back Nicola Sturgeon’s party in May, while consecutive surveys have shown majority of support for independence.

The last poll on Holyrood, a YouGov survey carried out between August 6 and 10, put Tory support on 20%.

READ MORE: Yes support soars as SNP set for record Holyrood majority

Both Ruth Davidson and Jackson Carlaw insisted they could be the next first ministers of Scotland before resigning as Scottish Tory leaders.

MacKay asked Ross what his intention is for next year’s Holyrood election.

“It’s to be first minster, I believe I’ll have the policies behind me and the Scottish Conservatives and the people of Scotland can see we’re a real alternative to the SNP after 13 years,” the Moray MP said.

MacKay then asked: “Do you seriously think you can be first minster?” to which Ross simply said: “Yes.”

The journalist was taken aback: “Despite everything in the polls suggesting … despite the current situation that we have in terms of seats in Holyrood, the turn-around that would be required for that, but not only that the polls that are suggesting the SNP may even have a majority of 20 seats next year. Are you seriously saying you can be first minister?”

“Yes I am John,” Ross said again. “And I’m ambitious about the opportunities for the Scottish Conservatives and for the party I’m leading into the elections next year.”

MacKay told the MP: “It’s all very well being ambitious but you have to be realistic as well.

“Would it be the case that if you managed to prevent an SNP majority, maybe prevent a second independence referendum, you might think job done?”

Ross, for a fourth time, insisted he is “in this to win this”.

If YouGov’s latest polling was translated into seats, the outcome would make the SNP the most powerful party of government since the parliament was re-established in 1999.