Our poll found that 42 per cent of Scots aged 18 to 54 believe the end of the Union is now inevitabl

The figures back claims made by First Minister Alex Salmond last week that the Scottish people are now part of a burgeoning “independence revolution”. Our Angus Reid poll found that 42 per cent of Scots aged 18 to 54 believe the end of the Union is now inevitable, with only 25 per cent taking the opposite view. Even when older voters are taken into account, most people still believe independence will happen – 36 per cent compared to 32 per cent, with 32 per cent unsure. FREE NEWS UPDATES 24/7...FOLLOW THE SCOTTISH EXPRESS ON TWITTER The survey also found that more than two thirds of Scots want to seize control of North Sea oil money and use it to lower petrol prices in Scotland. Sir Sean Connery, the SNP’s best-known supporter, last night welcomed the figures and said they showed the Nationalists’ ultimate goal was moving closer.

Alex Salmond is right, this is the ‘independence generation’ and it is encompassing Scots everywhere Sir Sean Connery

He said: “I have always believed in my heart that Scotland will become independent in my lifetime, and this survey makes me more confident than ever. “Alex Salmond is right, this is the ‘independence generation’ and it is encompassing Scots everywhere, of all backgrounds and ages. When we vote for it in the referendum, Scotland will move forward and prosper as never before.” However, the survey of 500 voters also shows current support for breaking up the Union remains in a relatively distant second place. Only 36 per cent will definitely vote for independence in the SNP’s referendum, with 47 per cent wanting to remain in the UK.

‘Devolution max’, including full tax-raising powers for Holyrood, is the most popular option, with 47 per cent in favour compared with 28 per cent against. In the voting intentions for the next Scottish Parliament elections, the Nationalists are out in front on 49 per cent. Labour are trailing on 29 per cent, the Tories on 13 per cent and the Lib Dems on five per cent. Mr Salmond said yesterday: “This is a fantastic ‘state of the nation’ survey, indicating the strong progress of Scotland and of the SNP government. “The SNP has the support of some half the electorate, and there is growing support for Scotland having the full range of job-creating powers we need to boost jobs and recovery, and becoming an equal and independent country.

“The people of Scotland spoke in the election, and the Westminster parties all lag far behind the ambitions of the people. “There is overwhelming support for the Scottish Parliament having access to the record tax revenues being generated by Scotland’s North Sea oil and gas.” However, Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie said the poll underlined support for the Union. She added: “Just because little over a third of Scots fear that independence will happen in their lifetime does not mean it will happen. This is the second poll in a few days which shows Scotland in Britain remains the preferred choice of Scotland.”

An overwhelming 67 per cent of Scots want the £13.4billion in North Sea oil money that will flow into the Treasury this year to be used to help motorists north of the Border. The idea is in line with the SNP’s demands for an oil fund, similar to Norway and Alaska, and a fuel price regulator to offset soaring prices at the pumps. Despite living in an oil-producing nation, Scottish motorists still face some of the world’s highest fuel prices. The UK Government has cut 1p off fuel duty and plans further reductions in the Scottish islands, but many believe this is not enough. Elsewhere, Scots believe that the economy (35 per cent) and unemployment (27 per cent) are by far the most important issues facing the country in 2011.