Scotland remains split on independence but there is a much higher level of support for it than in the past, according to results from the latest poll.

The increase in support occurred in the latter part of last year, unsurprisingly just after the SNP came to power. While the SNP will be pleased by this, the balance does little to assure victory in a referendum.

The one-off boost for independence after the election raises the question of what is required to further increase its support.

This poll reminds us the relationship between a party's popularity and support for its constitutional policy is not straightforward. There may be few signs the SNP's honeymoon is over, but their problem is that support for independence currently depends on more than their success.

Meanwhile, Labour's abysmal performance may be also stalling the onward march of independence. Voters may be content to see Alex Salmond govern Scotland but have doubts about whether the country is fit for independence when they view the political system as a whole. Choosing a constitutional preference involves more than choosing a governing party.

James Mitchell, Professor of Politics, University of Strathclyde.