Another referendum on Scottish independence could take place in a few years if the SNP is given a "cause to justify it", former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has said.
A second vote on Scotland's constitutional future could be prompted by a European Union (EU) exit or the failure of Westminster to deliver on its pledge of devolution to Holyrood, Mr MacAskill told a legal conference in Edinburgh.
He said that such events, coupled with another SNP majority at Holyrood in the 2016 elections, could provide the mandate for a re-run of the September 2014 ballot.
The backbench MSP said that the immediate focus for Scotland is on securing the new powers promised by opposition party leaders.
He told the audience of lawyers and bankers at the Lender Services Conference organised by Scottish firm Aberdein Considine that he believes the electorate will get another chance to vote on Scotland's future.
"Will there be another referendum?" he said.
"I believe as I voted - Yes. When will that be? I don't know.
"It will be set, as are all matters in politics, by events.
"You'll require a majority in the Scottish Parliament for it and a cause to justify it.
"The majority looks possible but the cause will depend. EU exit or failure to deliver are possible reasons, but time will tell."
He added: "I am confident we will win the next one."
David Cameron has pledged to hold an in-out referendum on the UK's EU membership by the end of 2017 if he remains prime minister after the general election.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for a veto over such a vote, requiring that all four nations of the UK have to agree to withdrawal.
While she has not been drawn on the SNP's 2016 election manifesto, she previously stated: "If there is a commitment to a (independence) referendum in a manifesto of the SNP at an election, and if we win that election, then that is a mandate for a referendum."
The First Minister has also stated that failure to deliver on the pledge of further devolution would result in "a very angry reaction from the electorate".
Mr MacAskill said that "in the interim the battleground will be home rule not independence, more devolution versus everything other than defence and foreign affairs, as articulated by Alex Salmond".
He said: "There are many who were persuaded to vote No on the basis of pledges and promises from Gordon Brown or David Cameron for significant devolution or even as close to federalism as can be.
"The Smith Commission that was set up and has reported has not delivered that in any shape or form, I would argue.
"But even for those who believe that they are extensive enough or a basis for more, agree that it's about further devolution.
"So, the debate is going to continue and further devolution there will be. The argument is on the extent of it and the timescale for it.
"A lot of that will now depend as with so many other things on the outcome of the UK election."
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