| Good morning, In today's newsletter we've got exclusive data from the latest polling conducted on Scottish independence and the popularity of our poilitical leaders. Before we begin, please consider taking out a digital subscription with us from just £3 a month for unlimited access to all our stories. Or you can now give the gift of a digital subscription to a loved one here. Readers of this newsletter can get a 20% discount on gift subscriptions with the promo code SCOTGIFT20. Scottish independence support surging to joint record levels Six years on from the independence referendum the constitutional question remains at the very core of Scottish politics. This morning we can reveal support for independence has hit record highs again, with Yes seeing 58 per cent support for the second time, a new poll commisioned by The Scotsman show. Independence is also just sixth on the list of most important priorities for Scottish voters, with the economy top, Brexit second, followed by health issues, jobs, and education. Review the full results of the poll and what we can expect in the 2021 Holyrood election here. Nicola Sturgeon 'bulletproof' despite trust in SNP leader taking hit due to Alex Salmond inquiry Our poll also found trust in Nicola Sturgeon remains the highest of all Scottish political leaders despite the Scottish Parliament’s inquiry into the handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond. Ms Sturgeon is still viewed as the most trustworthy (50 per cent), honest (54 per cent), and genuine (57 per cent) of the Scottish party leaders, according to voters. In fact, the person worst affected by the inquiry is the former first minister Alex Salmond. Read the full story here. 'He was just a normal healthy wee boy’ The family of a boy who developed a condition after Covid-19 which left him in a coma have said this Christmas will be one they are “much more grateful” to be able to celebrate with him. The 10-year-old from Blackridge, West Lothian was taken to St John’s Hospital in Livingston on November 9 so medics could assess him. Read the full story here. Thanks for reading, we've got even more stories below. Sam Shedden, [email protected] | 
