MORE than one-third of UK consumers would be less likely to buy Scottish products or deal with firms based north of the Border if the country becomes independent, according to a new poll.

The ICM survey of 2000 people across the UK showed 36% say they would be less likely to deal with Scottish brands. The poll was carried out for trade magazine Marketing Week and asked consumers' views on major Scottish firms.

A spokesman for the pro-UK Better Together campaign said: "This survey is a good example of why being part of Brand Britain is good for jobs in Scotland."

A Scottish Government spokesman said Scotland's world-class goods would continue to be hugely popular with consumers "across these islands and beyond".