John Swinney is on course to lead a pro-independence majority in Holyrood following his debut budget, according to a new poll.
The first minister laid out the Scottish government's tax and spend plans last week which has seen a boost in his popularity.
However, recent polling also shows a significant blow to Scottish Labour as the party's support dropped to its lowest level in three years.
The survey indicates that Mr Swinney is on track to lead the SNP into a third decade in power at Holyrood come 2026.
Support for independence has also risen to 54%, when undecided voters are excluded, the highest level for more than four years, according to recent polling by The Times.
Following the budget announcement, support for the SNP increased by four points to 37% for constituency votes and by three points to 32% on the regional list since the last poll in August.
Analysis by Sir John Curtice, the polling expert, projected this would mean the nationalists would return 59 MSPs.