SUPPORT for a second referendum on Scottish independence is growing, according to a new Panelbase poll.

Conducted for the Sunday Times, the poll revealed that only 48% of Scots now oppose a second referendum in the next few years, leaving a majority in support of bringing the question back to voters.

More than half of respondents also stated that another referendum should be held while the UK negotiates to leave the EU or after negotiations have come to a close.

The number of Scots who believe independence will never happen has also dropped, while 38% believe it is likely Scotland will have left the UK within the next ten years.

Professor Sir John Curtice of Strathclyde University said “It seems that the days when unionists could claim with confidence that Scots do not want another independence referendum any time soon may have come to an end.”

Ian Blackford, the SNP Westminster leader, said: “There is a growing realisation that Scottish voters are going to face a choice of being in the European mainstream or sticking with the Brexiteers, who are going to damage our economic future.”

The Panelbase survey included 1024 voters and was conducted in June.