HALF of Scots want the country to be independent, according to the results of a major new survey.

The Panelbase poll, carried out for Wings Over Scotland, found 50% of Scottish adults back a Yes vote, once ‘”don’t knows” were removed from the results.

A total of 1086 Scottish adults were surveyed between May 1 and 5 for the study.

Some 457 respondents said they think Scotland should be an independent country, while the same number were opposed.

READ MORE: SNP set for huge win in 2021 Holyrood election, new poll shows

The latest results fit with a general pattern of increased support for independence in 2020, with surveys recording levels of at least 50%.

A poll published in February, which was carried out for the Scot Goes Pop blog and backed by The National, found 52% of Scots backed independence.

That came just hours after a Survation study put support for a Yes vote at 50%.

A separate Panelbase report released last week showed pro-independence parties were on track to win 78 of 129 seats at next year’s Scottish parliament elections.