. Statistics compiled by the Electoral Registration Office showed more than 3,500 people across the Valuation Joint Board Area covering Helensburgh and Lomond; Dumbarton, the Vale and Clydebank; Argyll and Bute; and East Dunbartonshire joined the register in the month running up to the September 2 deadline, with a record turn out predicted for the September 18 vote.

Politicians have welcomed the news, which they say demonstrates never-before-seen levels of political engagement throughout the community.

Jackie Baillie, Helensburgh and Lomond MSP, said: “It seems that we’re heading for an unprecedented turnout on September 18 and this can only be a good thing for democracy.” Stuart McMillan, West of Scotland MSP, added: “I’m delighted to learn of the many thousands of people who have registered for the referendum, some deciding to register for the first time in their lives.

“The referendum is the biggest political decision the people in Scotland will have ever made and it’s therefore vital that as many people as possible turn out to vote on Scotland’s Future.” Meanwhile, the latest opinion polls – released on Sunday – have shown a boost in support for the Yes campaign.

The YouGov survey put Yes on 51 per cent — excluding ‘don’t knows’ — and No on 49 per cent.

A previous YouGov poll, taken just four weeks ago estimated Yes was on 39 per cent and No on 61 per cent — an 12 point swing in just four weeks.

Mr McMillan said: “The recent YouGov poll is a breakthrough for the Yes campaign and highlights how more people are waking up to the opportunities independence offers Scotland in building a fairer, more prosperous society. Yes has the momentum, but there is work to do and we must ensure that between now and the 18 September we keep our eyes firmly on the prize and do all we can to make the case for Yes to as many people as possible across the country.

However, Ms Baillie believes local Better Together canvassing results ‘paint a different picture’.

She told the Advertiser: “People on the doorsteps in Helensburgh, Dumbarton, and Alexandria are telling us in ever-increasing numbers that they are voting No to protect jobs at the base. It’s clear that the 11,000 jobs directly and indirectly dependent on Faslane have now become the number one issue for local families.

“That said, this poll shows that there is absolutely no room for complacency. This serves as a reminder to everyone who wants Scotland to stay in the UK that you can’t just sit at home and hope that it happens. You need to get out there and vote for it.” Both sides have stepped up their campaigning in Helensburgh and Lomond in recent weeks with visits from Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former Conservative cabinet minister Sir Malcolm Rifkind.