OLDER Scots are less likely to support independence because they have relatively strong feelings of Britishness, a new analysis has suggested.

By contrast, middle-class Scots' reluctance to vote Yes in next year's referendum is based on economic con- siderations, according to the study by polling expert Professor John Curtice.

The conclusions were based on the latest Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, which has monitored changing public views since the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and a series of recent polls. The analysis shows more than half of those aged over-65 have a strong sense of British identity, compared with 14% of 18 to 24-year-olds.

However, for Scots in professional roles, fears about the economic con-sequences of independence are a bigger factor in shaping attitudes. More than four out of 10 – significantly higher than average – believe the economy would be worse under independence.

Mr Curtice said that even those Scots who did not feel particularly British tended to support independence only if they felt Scotland got a raw deal from being part of the UK and the economy would improve as a result of leaving.He added: "The Yes side have to persuade people not only to leave aside their feelings of Britishness but also that the British Union is no longer capable of delivering."