THE SNP is set to “gobble up” constituency seats but the “odds are against” an overall majority, according to Professor Sir John Curtice today.

Pointing to the precedent of 2011, First Minister John Swinney has argued a repeat would form grounds for a second referendum on separation, a vote he hopes could take place as soon as 2028.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, however, Prof Curtice argued close contests in a “handful of seats” could deny that majority.

He said: “There are just a relatively small number of contests where the other parties are going to hang on, or in one or two instances make a gain, and that is going to stand between the SNP and victory.”

Qualifying his remarks, he said: “Trying to forecast exactly what is going to happen in individual seats is very, very difficult.

“If the cookie were to crumble just slightly in the SNP’s favour, the Greens just miss out on some of their hopes, then maybe the SNP might still make it.

“But if the polls are right the odds are against it and the SNP will need a lot of luck.”

As campaigning entered its final hours, Mr Swinney remained upbeat on the prospect of a majority.

“I think that we are so close to doing that — it is within touching distance,” he said.

“But we have to make it happen.”

Appealing directly to voters, he added: “The SNP wants to lower your bills — but the other parties want to stop us.

“They have nothing to offer so they want you to vote for an opposition to stop things happening.

“I am asking you to vote for an SNP government to get things done.”