SCOTLAND is on course to become an independent country in the next 25 years, according to a new poll by Survation.
72 per cent of Scots responding to the poll say they believe independence will come before 2040.
The poll of 3,977 adults – 1,056 in Scotland – was conducted in the week after the election.
The English also think Scottish independence is inevitable, with 71 per cent saying Scotland will go its own way in the next 25 years.
52 per cent of Scots say they think independence will happen in the next decade and 43 per cent in the next five years.
The poll, commissioned by think-tank British Future, also showed 73 per cent of respondents in Scotland wanted further devolution.
Only 13 per cent of those taking part in the survey agreed with that “the new government should not offer significant further powers to the nations and regions of the UK”.
However, only 48 per cent of people in England agree Scotland should be offered more powers – 26 per cent of English respondents believe Scotland needs no more.
Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, said: “Scotland is split pretty much down the middle on whether independence will happen, even within a decade.
“This fits with Nicola Sturgeon’s pragmatic, gradualist approach and reluctance to call a quick referendum.
“With nearly three-quarters of Scots wanting more powers, Sturgeon can feel confident that a broad consensus, uniting Yes and No camps, supports a new settlement for Scotland.
“David Cameron has more work to do with the English.
“Some doubt that the union can be saved and while only a minority are against Scotland getting more powers, he will have to persuade the undecideds that it’s worth it.
“In the longer term, nearly three quarters of Scots think the nation is likely to become independent by 2040.
“That’s a long-term challenge for unionism and an opportunity for Nicola Sturgeon to play the long game – up to a third of that 72 per cent will be ‘No’ voters who are resigned to independence, and her task will be to convince them.”
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