Two-thirds of Scots want another independence referendum to be held in the next 10 years while more than half think a vote on the country's future should take place within just five years, a new poll has revealed.

A total of 66% said they backed another referendum within a decade, regardless of the circumstances, according to the survey by Ipsos MORI.

The research, which was carried out for STV News, also found that regardless of what happens, 58% of people support having another vote in the next five years.

The polling firm questioned 1,029 people in Scotland for the survey, which was conducted between October 22 and 29.

More than half (53%) of people said they supported having another referendum if the Conservatives win a majority in next year's general election while 54% said a vote on Scotland's future in the UK should take place if the Tories win in May but do not have any MPs north of the border.

Meanwhile, 55% are in favour of a second independence referendum if the UK votes to leave the European Union in 2017.

Mark Diffley, research director at Ipsos MORI said he was "not particularly surprised" by the findings.

He said the September 18 referendum had generated an "unprecedented" interest in politics, with turnout in the vote reaching 85%.

Mr Diffley added: "As 45% of people voted Yes, you would imagine all of them would want another referendum.

"In terms of No voters, they could want another referendum for a variety of reasons, they are maybe somewhat disappointed with what has happened since in terms of extra powers and there may be people who were tempted to vote Yes but didn't go through with it who would like the opportunity to have the debate again."

Mr Diffley said while political parties "need to be aware of what people are saying", he added that the fact that the poll had been done just weeks after the referendum meant people could still be thinking about such issues.

He stated: "People are still in referendum mode, thinking about it, talking about it, and in some cases extremely disappointed by its outcome and what has happened since in terms of additional devolved powers.

"This is a snapshot of opinion at a time when politics and the referendum are very high profile. What the feeling is in another year is another matter."

Scotland's first minister-in-waiting Nicola Sturgeon has already refused to back calls from the pro-UK parties to rule out holding another referendum for at least a generation, insisting such a vote will be held "'when the Scottish people decide the time is right''.

To stem rising demand for a second vote, she said Westminster must deliver on its vow of more powers for Holyrood as well as putting a halt to cuts in the Scottish Government's budget.