SCOTTISH Secretary Alister Jack has admitted "upset" Scots are turning to independence over Brexit.
Recent polls show the Yes movement is growing, with an Ipsos-Mori result putting support for independence at a record 58%.
The result came seven months ahead of next year's all-important Scottish Parliament elections - which the SNP are expected to win, according to current polling.
Appearing on BBC Sunday Politics Scotland, Jack said his boss Boris Johnson "absolutely wants Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom", adding: "His position is that we need to keep pressing the case for the Union and the strength of the Union in Scotland, not just with financial support but we realise you have to win hearts as well as minds."
And he said UK ministers "have plans" to strengthen the case for the Union, but did not reveal what these might be.
That comment comes as a Sunday Times article reveals Michael Gove has ordered the formation of an anti-independence team, with press officers brought in to challenge SNP messaging and more staff expected.
READ MORE: Scottish independence: Michael Gove plans anti-SNP team to stop Yes movement
Jack said the UK government will "play the long game" to prove the wisdom of Brexit and the Union to Scottish voters.
But he said: "As we come out of the European Union, I do acknowledge that part of the problem we have is there are a lot of people in Scotland upset that we are leaving the EU."
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