MORE than a third of Scots believe a minority Labour government with the SNP holding the balance of power in a hung parliament would be the best general election outcome for Scotland, a poll has shown.

According to the Panelbase survey, conducted for the SNP, 35 per cent of voters favoured a Labour government which might have to depend on SNP support on key issues.

One in five voters (19 per cent) believed a Labour government with an outright majority would be the best result for Scotland in May's election.

The survey follows a push by the SNP to convince voters a sizeable bloc of Nationalist MPs is required to deliver the fresh powers for Holyrood agreed by the parties during the Smith Commission talks.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has set her party the goal of taking more seats in Scotland than Labour.

The poll found only four per cent of voters believed a second Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition would be the best election outcome for Scotland.

However, a large proportion of the electorate - 26 per cent - was unsure what result would be in the country's best interests.

Pollster Panelbase questioned 1018 voters between December 18 and 23.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This is another welcome finding, which again demonstrates that the people of Scotland want the SNP to hold the balance of power at Westminster - including nearly a quarter of Labour voters.

"The SNP holding the balance of power alongside a minority Labour government is far and away the most popular General Election outcome in Scotland - with 35 per cent support overall, and in the lead among men, women, and people of every age and background."

A Guardian/ICM poll last week showed the SNP, with the support of 43 per cent of voters, on course to win 45 of Scotland's 59 Westminster seats.

Labour's present 41 Scots MPs would be reduced to a rump of 10 on a uniform swing to the Nationalists.

Ms Sturgeon has ruled out propping up a Conservative Government if the SNP hold the balance of power after May 7.