A BRADFORD society which celebrates all things Scottish will not be affected by the result of next week's long-awaited referendum on independence, its president has said.

Kerr Kennedy, of the St Andrews Society of Bradford, says regardless of which way the vote goes, it will not affect the British identity felt by Scots living south of the border.

Established by a pocket of prominent Scotsmen in the city in 1886, the group meets regularly to celebrate the culture and traditions of their home country, and Mr Kennedy, who has lived in Bradford for 20 years, said that will continue regardless of what happens in the referendum on Thursday, September 18.

"Our society will not be affected," he said. "People understand what we're here for, and that's to celebrate the social and cultural side of Scotland.

"I, and other Scots, will still feel British whichever way the vote goes, Scotland will not cast itself off, whatever happens.

"Scottish traditions and cultures will still exist, and we'll still celebrate them."

As the campaign enters its last stages, pro-independence campaigners were buoyed by a YouGov poll on Sunday which put support for Yes ahead for the first time.

When undecided voters were removed from the study, 51 per cent supported Scotland leaving the UK, compared to 49 per cent who wanted to remain in the union.

Another poll, by Panelbase, also showed a very small gap between the rival campaigns, but this time put No ahead, with 52 per cent supporting a No vote and 48 per cent for Yes.

Yesterday, Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there was "no doubt at all" the momentum was with the Yes campaign, whereas Alistair Darling, the man leading the fight to keep Scotland in the UK, said he was still ''very confident'' that voters will reject independence.

Mr Kennedy, originally from Paisley, said he is constantly being asked for his thoughts about the outcome in the run-up to next week's vote, and admits the verdict is too close to call.

"Obviously I have been following the debate, and it seems to be engaging Scots and non-Scots alike," he said.

"Some people will vote with their heart, and some with their heads, but it will go down to the wire, I can't see it any other way.

"Some will vote for what they see to be a more democratic outcome, others will not be convinced by arguments on key issues such as the economy and the European Union.

"I think the most pleasing thing about the debate is that it appears to be engaging everyone."

The society, which has about 60 members, runs a varied calendar of formal and informal events throughout the year, including a Burns Supper and the St Andrew's Tartan Ball, alongside walks, curry nights, race days and a keenly-contested annual bowls tournament.

"We look forward to welcoming anyone who has an affinity with the traditions and culture of Scotland, be they Scottish or not," said Mr Kennedy.

"That won't change, and whatever happens in the vote, the relationship between the two countries cannot be lost, we will still be neighbours.

"You can't lose the history of the Union, Scots will continue to live and play their part in England, and vice versa.

"It's nonsense to suggest that all the history between the countries will suddenly come to an end."

For more information on the society, visit standrewssocietyofbradford.org.uk