A GLASGOW gambler has staked a record £200,000 that Scottish independence will be rejected in the referendum next year.

Bookies William Hill said the bet – the largest political gamble it has taken – would make a total profit of £36,666 if there was a No vote in September 2014.

"We have never taken a bigger bet than this on any political subject," said William Hill spokesman Graham Sharpe.

He said: "The man, in his late-50s, with a pronounced Scottish accent, and a stranger to staff, struck one bet of £30,000 at odds of 1/5, then returned to place another, of £70,000 at the same odds, before placing a third, of £100,000 at odds by now shortened to 1/6."

Polls suggest most people in Scotland will not back independence, but there are still 450 days to go before the vote.

The gambler has only wasted his money, an SNP spokesman said.

He added: "It's a shame this person has just wasted such a large amount of money –because we are extremely confident it's going to be a Yes."