More than half of LGBT Scots back independence, says poll

More than half of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Scots are backing independence, according to a poll.

The online poll of 2,163 Scottish readers of Europe's largest LGBT news service PinkNews found that 54% plan to vote Yes in Thursday's referendum - with 56% of Labour voters for independence.

The poll also found 44% plan to vote No while 2% remain undecided.

In contrast, the vast majority (87%) of the 1,204 non-Scottish readers polled on the website on Friday and Saturday said they opposed independence, with only 5% supportive.

[Everything you need to know about the Scottish Independence Referendum]

More than a third (35%) of Scottish LGBT people would vote for the SNP if there was an election tomorrow while 26% back Labour, 10% are Green supporters, 9% would vote for the Liberal Democrats and 7% are for the Conservatives.

PinkNews editor Joseph Patrick McCormick said: 'It has been interesting how keenly and passionately-fought the battle around independence has been.

'It has been one which has considerably spilled over into the LGBT arena.

'We've been continually receiving statements and columns from both sides which have passionately sought to convey that LGBT people will be better off with the outcome they are seeking.

'The battle for the gay vote indicates possibly just how close the vote for independence will be.'