On a recent edition of his LBC radio phone-in free-for-all, Alex Salmond faced questions from an angry listener over whether the SNP would stick to its promise of a "once in a generation" referendum.

Never one to shy away from such a confrontation, the former First Minister argued that there would need to be a material change in circumstances for a new independence vote. He cited the possibility of the UK choosing to leave the European Union against the wishes of Scots voters as one of the chief potential triggers.

In new polling carried out for STV News, it appears the Scottish public shares his point of view.

The survey carried out by IPSOS-Mori found a slim lead in favour of independence should the vote be held tomorrow (49 to 45%). When faced with the prospect of Britain leaving the EU after Scotland voted to stay the potential Yes vote shoots up to 54%, a 15 point lead ahead of those who wish to keep Scotland within the UK.

The strong correlation between support for independence and the UK ending its European ties is good news for the SNP, who have repeatedly argued that Scotland would be better placed in the EU by going it alone.

There is clearly a disconnect between the political discourse around the EU north and south of the border, and anti-EU sentiment has failed to take proper hold in a country where the main two parties have long held a positive view of European political integration.

The SNP have gained praise for their particular inclusive form of nationalism, which has not allowed elements of ethnic superiority and xenophobia to take hold as in other similar movements across the continent.

Their support for EU integration has found support among much of the country, with the STV News survey showing a huge majority of 62% supporting continued membership. Only 26% of Scots back leaving the European community.

It is important to mention that across the UK the poll shows general support for the EU, but the narrative that Scotland may be pulled out by the votes of the rest of Britain seems to have taken hold.

Strikingly though, most Scots now want to loosen bonds with the UK while at the same time consolidate ties with the European Union. This can partly be credited to the positive internationalist case presented by the Yes campaign in the referendum.

There also appears to be a hangover of distrust towards the parties calling for EU disintegration.

UKIP is the most staunchly anti-Brussels, and has long been seen as the lunatic fringe in a country where the political landscape has not been defined by immigration and border policy.

And while the fortunes of the Conservatives at Holyrood are slowly improving, Ruth Davidson’s party are split on EU membership and are perhaps not yet in a position to wield any particular Scottish influence on the issue.

There is speculation over whether the SNP will bow to pressure from party hardliners and put a new referendum on the table in their Holyrood 2016 manifesto.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has already confirmed that the document would set out the circumstances under which another vote might be "appropriate".

There appears little doubt now that the SNP will romp to a more fortified mandate in the May Holyrood vote. And if the UK does vote to leave Brussels, no matter what disagreement there is over what constitutes a political generation, the case for a second independence referendum could become undeniable.

Analysis by Alastair Brian, a digital news reporter at STV. You can contact him at alastair.brian@stv.tv.