The dispersal policy has proved controversial among staff

The Public and Commercial Services union surveyed its 240 members who work for SNH in Edinburgh.

Two-thirds were in favour of action with only one employee prepared to accept the move under present conditions.

One-third would go to Inverness if incentives were significantly improved but the rest said they would not move regardless of the deal on offer.

The survey may be followed by a formal legal ballot on industrial action.

Union spokesman Albie O'Neill said a strike was not inevitable and the union would take the results to ministers and ask them to think again.

'Family and friends'

The PCS has strongly criticised the Scottish Executive's decision to move the agency's HQ to Inverness.

Mr O'Neill said: "During the seven months since the decision was announced, we have warned SNH and ministers that staff would not go to Inverness.

"They all have family and friends in Edinburgh and they are not prepared to give up everything to move even if that means losing their jobs.

"People have to realise that they cannot play about with people's lives in this way.

"If they wish us to deliver high-quality public services they must seek to recruit and retain the best staff."

The plan to transfer the operation to Inverness is part of ministers' efforts to spread public service jobs across Scotland.