A SURVATION poll released today is the twelfth poll running to show a majority of Scots support independence.

The poll also shows the SNP have a commanding lead over the other parties ahead of next May’s Holyrood election.

The SNP have said this proves that any attempts to deny a second independence referendum are "now utterly unsustainable".

Survation asked 1071 Scots of voting age the question: “If there was a referendum tomorrow with the question 'Should Scotland be an independent country?', how would you vote?”

READ MORE: Five key things about Scottish independence voters we learned from today's poll

The answers returned showed an eight point lead for Yes, with 54% saying they would favour independence versus 46% favouring the Union.

However, 14.32% of respondents answered that they were undecided, and 0.57% refused to answer the question.

When these “Don’t Knows” are included, Yes still holds an eight point lead, on 46.6% compared to No’s 38.5%.

The SNP were estimated to win 54% of the Holyrood constituency vote by the poll.

The Scottish Tories were second and Labour third, with 19% and 18% respectively.

The Scottish Greens would be on course to achieve a record number of MSPs, winning 10% of the regional list vote.

The fieldwork for the poll was conducted between October 28 and November 4, 2020.

Responding to the news on Twitter, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon warned Scots to stay focused.

She said: "More very strong polling for independence and @theSNP - but as we see playing out in real time in USA #Election2020, it’s votes that count not polls.

"Let’s stay focused on leading Scotland well through these tough times."

SNP Depute Leader, Keith Brown, added: “After 12 straight polls we know the fundamental shift in favour of independence is the settled will of the Scottish people.

“We must have the right to decide our own future instead of being under the control of governments we don’t vote for, led by the likes of Boris Johnson. 

READ MORE: Douglas Ross set to take the Tories into third at 2021 Holyrood election

“The Tory Westminster Government cannot be trusted to act in Scotland’s interests. They have removed Scotland from the EU against our will and are now, unbelievably, threatening to impose a disastrous hard Brexit in the middle of a pandemic and economic recession.

“As an independent member of the EU we will be an equal partner with our friends in the rest of the UK and Europe.

“The Westminster parties' undemocratic attempt to deny the people of Scotland the right to choose their own future in a fresh referendum is now utterly unsustainable."

Welcoming the poll, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: “This is just the latest in a long line of polls showing Scottish Greens on course to elect a record number of MSPs in May.

"It’s clear that our constructive approach to opposition is appreciated by the public. From Scotland’s fairer tax system, to the reversal of unfair exam grades and free bus travel for young people from next year we’ve been working for Scotland to build a fairer and greener country, punching well above our weight and delivering time and time again.

“It’s clearer than ever that the UK simply isn’t working for Scotland. More and more people are coming to the conclusion that we must take our future into our own hands if we are to build a better Scotland.”