Scotland looks unlikely to vote for independence in September, researchers say, citing poll data as showing the separatists have been unable to build momentum behind their campaign as decision day nears. A study by the University of Stirling published on Tuesday estimates a 79 percent chance that the people of Scotland will reject the chance to end a 307-year-old union with England, up from 70 percent in April, according to Reuters. Earlier in the year some polls had shown the pro-independence Yes campaign closing the gap on the pro-union campaign's lead. However, a YouGov poll for the Times newspaper on Tuesday found that backing for the anti-independence campaign had risen, with the Yes campaign struggling to convince voters a split would not hurt the Scottish economy. Professor David Bell, who looked at betting trends among bookmakers for the University of Stirling, said the chance of a No vote on Sept. 18 probably remained between 70 and 80 percent throughout the first half of the year, even as polls fluctuated. -- SPA 20:56 LOCAL TIME 17:56 GMT تغريد
