"The trend is very clear, and shows that people are moving to the independence position as they see the success and credibility of the SNP in government.

"The National Conversation is leading the constitutional debate, and pulling the other parties in its wake."

Our poll follows a similar result for the SNP at the weekend when a Sunday newspaper found that 40 per cent of Scots backed independence, a rise of five points since the late summer.

The polls also show that the row over Donald Trump's golfing complex in Aberdeenshire have done Mr Salmond and his administration no harm at all in the eyes of the public.

Our survey rounds off a highly successful period for Mr Salmond.

On Sunday, a YouGov poll showed that the SNP were ahead of Labour by one point in Scotland for a Westminster election.

The SNP's Business Convener Angus Robertson said: "This is yet another indication of the success of the SNP, combined with the hugely positive ratings of the Scottish Government.

"The Scottish YouGov poll conducted at the end of November gave the SNP a record 11 point lead over Labour for a Scottish Parliament election, and put us neck and neck with Labour for a Westminster poll – the party's strongest position since the fuel crisis 7 years ago.

"This new poll suggests that the SNP have now moved ahead of Labour for a UK General Election.

"Along with the System Three poll showing a surge in support for independence, it is clear that the trends are all going in the SNP's direction as we look forward to the New Year."