Support for Scottish independence has rocketed to almost 60% in the aftermath of Britain's decision to leave the European Union, according to a new poll.

The Sunday Post has reported that 59% of respondents would now vote to leave the United Kingdom, a marked increase on the 45% who voted Yes in 2014.

When undecided voters were stripped out of the results, those in favour of independence rose to over 60%.

The online survey of 1600 adults across Scotland, conducted by ScotPulse, even suggested that older voters were softening their stance on the issue, with 47% of pensioners taking part now favouring a Yes vote.

The poll comes after Britain voted by 52% to 48% in favour of leaving the EU, despite 62% of Scottish voters opting for Remain.

Following the result, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted that a second referendum on Scottish independence must be "on the table" and promised to do "whatever it takes" to keep Scotland in the EU.

The SNP's manifesto for the recent Holyrood election said it would view Scotland leaving the EU despite the country voting to stay as a "significant and material change" which would be reasonable grounds to trigger a second referendum.

On Saturday, Ms Sturgeon announced that discussions had already taken place with the aim of clarifying Scotland's position in Europe going forward.

She said: "Most of our discussion [on Saturday] morning centred on what we can do in the here and now and in the negotiations that lie ahead to protect Scotland's relationship with the European Union and our place in the single market.

"Cabinet agreed that we will seek to enter into immediate discussions with the EU 's institutions and with other EU member states to explore all possible options to protect Scotland's place in the EU.

"In doing so we are determined to draw on as much support and advice from across Scotland as possible. I can confirm today that over the next few days I will establish an advisory panel comprising a range of experts who can advise me and the Scottish Government on a number of important matters - legal, financial and diplomatic."

Despite the clamour for a return to the constitutional issues in some quarters, Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson warned of continued instability if a second referendum were to be pursued.

She said: "What we need now is Scotland's two governments working together to ensure stability.

"The SNP agitating for an independence referendum rerun will do precisely the opposite.

Meanwhile, Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale reiterated that her party's stance on independence was "not likely to change" any time soon.