INDEPENDENCE is “inevitable” – that’s the conclusion drawn by a major Yes organisation after it commissioned a new poll on the constitutional question.

The Believe in Scotland survey, carried out by Panelbase, found 51% of Scots back independence, while 49% are opposed once undecided respondents were excluded.

It is the latest in a series of polls in the last few weeks to record a narrow Yes lead after a slight dip in support for independence at the start of the year.

Overall, support among men and women mirrored the 51%-49% split in the new study.

Perhaps most strikingly, the research found a whopping 72% of 16 to 35-year-olds want to leave the Union. An even larger proportion (77%) of females within that age category back Yes.

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A Believe in Scotland statement reads: “The age demographics point to it simply being a matter of time before Scotland becomes independent.

“If young voters were as likely to vote as older ones Yes would win by a large margin already, so if the Yes campaign in the next independence referendum can engage young voters and motivate them to vote then a Yes result is inevitable.”

Panelbase interviewed 1002 Scottish residents over the age of 16 between April 9 and 12. It found support for independence leading by 48% to 46%, with 6% defining themselves as “don’t knows”.

Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to hold a referendum if Scots elect a pro-independence majority in May’s election.

Boris Johnson has so far refused to countenance the prospect of a vote under any circumstances.