The Yes Scotland campaign claimed a “breakthrough” yesterday as polls showed a renewed closing of the gap between opponents and supporters of independence.

But a poll also revealed that many voters fear a divided Scotland after the September referendum — whatever the outcome.

A poll by Panelbase for the pro-independence Sunday Herald newspaper put the No vote at 47 per cent with Yes at 43 per cent and 10 per cent undecided.

Yes campaign chief executive Blair Jenkins hailed the result as “a breakthrough” which “puts us in touching distance of success in September.”

“It shows that our message that only with independence can the wealth of Scotland work for all the people is getting through,” he added.

A survey by ICM for the Scotland on Sunday newspaper put support for independence at 36 per cent, up two points from May, and the No vote down three points at 43 per cent with 21 per cent undecided.

Better Together campaign director Blair McDougall said: “This is another poll showing our campaign in the lead and support for independence lower than at the start of the year.”

The ICM poll also revealed that 38 per cent of people agreed with the statement “Scotland will be left badly divided after September 18, whatever the outcome,” as against 36 per cent who disagreed.

More than one in five said that conversations about Scottish independence with family and friends have ended in a row.

The findings come after a week of bitter social-media attacks on Labour carers’ champion Clare Lally and Better Together supporter author JK Rowling — as well as First Minister Alex Salmond’s refusal to sack special adviser Campbell Gunn over his role in the Lally row.