Scotland could become independent in future as a result of European Union nationals tipping the balance if a a second referendum is held before Brexit, according to academics.
A paper for the Scottish Centre on European Relations (SCER) think tank said a strong vote for independence from EU citizens resident in Scotland could have a “significant impact” on the outcome.
It comes as it emerged that Royal Bank of Scotland has taken legal precautions against the threat of a second independence referendum.
The taxpayer-backed bank has shifted its Scottish customers into a separate subsidiary, operating under the licence historically ascribed to its Adam & Co private banking business.
SCER authors Richard Marsh and Fabian Zuleeg said the timing of the vote could be crucial for a “yes” result as EU nationals are likely to be disenfranchised following Brexit.
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Nicola Sturgeon announced in June that plans for a second referendum would be put on hold as the government would not introduce legislation for another vote immediately.
She had previously called for another vote to be held between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, but was forced to reconsider after the SNP lost 21 seats in the general election.
EU citizens living in Scotland were allowed to vote in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, in which Scotland voted against becoming an independent country by 55% to 45%.