A FORMER SNP leader yesterday called on First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to put any plans for a second vote on Scottish independence on hold “indefinitely.”

Gordon Wilson, who headed the party between 1979 and 1990, announced his suggestion after a new poll showed that most Scots did not want another ballot to be held this year.

The BMG poll for the Herald newspaper found that 61.5 per cent were against holding a fresh ballot compared to 38.5 per cent who would support it.

One third of those against another referendum said they were SNP supporters. A total of 1,002 Scots were surveyed for the research over four days last month.

The Scottish government is consulting on a draft referendum Bill in the wake of Britain voting to leave the EU.

Mr Wilson added: “When the facts change, so should policy. The BMG poll confirms that there is no appetite for an immediate independence referendum.

“It is worrying for the SNP that a third of SNP voters also don’t want one — a figure close to the number who voted Leave.

A second independence referendum “should be shelved indefinitely until a better case is made.”

Instead Mr Wilson suggested SNP leaders “change tack” by building a solid case for independence including plans for currency and fiscal budgets.

An SNP spokeswoman said: “Our focus is on standing up for Scotland and protecting people from the disastrous impact of a hard Tory Brexit which would badly damage jobs and living standards.

“Theresa May should be given the opportunity to consider those proposals [to keep Scotland in the European Single Market].”

Labour shadow Scottish secretary Dave Anderson said the poll is “further evidence that most Scots are opposed to the SNP’s latest attempt to divide our country, just as they were before Brexit.”