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AS many as half a million former No voters would push Scotland to independence if a snap referendum was held today, according to an exclusive Record poll.

The dramatic shift in opinion suggests a Yes victory on 54 per cent of the vote, compared with 46 per cent to stay in the UK.

The results are based on 1002 adults polled over the weekend, excluding “don’t knows” and those unlikely to vote.

The pro-independence majority comes as Scots react to the prospect of being dragged out of the EU against their will.

If there was a referendum on Scottish independence tomorrow how would you vote? (Daily Record/ Survation) (excluding 'don't knows')

Almost two-thirds of Scots voted to stay in Europe last Thursday, but the decision was overturned by a far greater number of Leave voters in England and Wales

Our new Survation poll was hailed by SNP Business Convener Derek MacKay last night.

He said: “This poll shows that when faced with the choice between being taken out of the EU against our will by a right wing Tory government, or continuing as outward looking, independent members of the European Union more and more people are open to the possibilities independence brings.

“As the promises made by the Leave campaign start to unravel and the UK looks increasingly rudderless, it is more important than ever that we put protecting Scotland’s interests at the heart of everything we do.”

(Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire)

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said a new referendum on independence was “highly likely” just hours after the Brexit result on Friday morning.

Yesterday, she said the UK that Scots backed in 2014 “no longer exists”.

She added: “Independence is not my starting point in this – protecting Scotland’s interests is my starting point, but if it's the case that looking again at the question of independence becomes the only way in which we can protect Scotland’s interests, then that is a debate and a conversation and a decision that the people of Scotland have a right to take.”

Survation were the most accurate pollster in the 2014 independence referendum and the most accurate telephone pollster in the EU referendum.

The results show 53.7 per cent would vote for independence, against 46.3 per cent in favour of the UK.

Including “don’t knows”, the figures are 47.8 per cent Yes and 41.3 per cent No.

If there was a referendum on Scottish independence tomorrow how would you vote? (Daily Record/ Survation) (including 'don't knows')

If a vote was held tomorrow, the previous 55-45 Better Together victory would be wiped out and Yes would secure a 326,000 majority.

The number of No voters switching to Yes is likely to be far closer to half a million. But they are wiped out by a considerable number of previous Yes voters who have switched the other way.

Polling expert Professor John Curtice said: “Today’s poll suggests that the UK-wide decision to Leave the UK has, as expected, resulted in a swing in favour of independence.

“As a result, whereas hitherto a majority of Scots have been in favour of staying in the UK, there is now probably a majority in favour of independence.

“However, at present at least, that majority is still too small for Nicola Sturgeon to embark on a second independence referendum sure in the knowledge that she would win.

(Image: Reuters)

“Rather, holding such a ballot would still represent a considerable gamble, but it may be one that the First Minister will decide she has to take if she is determined to try and secure Scotland’s continued membership of the European Union.”

Unionists were dismayed at the immediate drive for another independence referendum while the dust is still to settle on last Thursday’s vote.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who campaigned for a pro-EU vote with David Cameron, said the country needs stability.

“It’s very, very unhelpful in this very difficult situation that virtually the first thing that’s spoken about - we’d hardly got the ink dry on the declaration of the EU referendum before we are having a debate about Scottish independence.

“My priority, same as Nicola Sturgeon, is let’s get the best deal from the EU.

“It’s quite clear the SNP are seeking to exploit this very difficult situation to further the cause of independence.”