A majority of people do not want a second independence referendum if Scotland is taken out of Europe against its will, according to a new poll.
The ICM poll for Scotland On Sunday newspaper found that 48% are against a post-Brexit vote on independence, while 44% are for it, and 8% do not know.
Respondents were asked to imagine that in the EU referendum in June, Scotland votes to remain in Europe, but the overall UK vote is in favour of the UK leaving.
They were asked in these circumstances whether they backed another referendum on Scotland leaving the UK.
When those who answered “don’t know” were stripped out, 52% were against a second vote, with 48% in favour.
The poll of 1,000 people contrasts with previous surveys, which have indicated that most Scots favour a second independence referendum in the event of a Brexit.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that a UK vote to leave the EU when the majority of Scots want to stay could be a “trigger” for another decision on independence.
Respondents were also asked how they would vote if a second independence ballot was held, with 44% backing a Yes vote, 47% backing No, while 8% did not know.
When “don’t knows” are excluded, 52% would vote No, with 48% voting Yes.
The majority of those polled were also against a second referendum in the next five years regardless of the result of the EU vote, with 51% against, 39% for and 10% who did not know.