A new poll across seven European countries has revealed strong support for an independent Scotland joining the EU.

The YouGov survey interviewed 8404 people across Germany, France, the UK, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

Asked 'Would you endorse or reject Scotland joining the EU if it became separate from Great Britain?', 71% of the poll's 2045 German respondents said they would.

Of the 1008 people polled in France, 61% said they would support an independent Scotland's membership.

The proposition was supported by 66% of those polled in Finland, 64% in Sweden, 67% in Denmark and 46% in Norway.

The lowest level of support was recorded in the UK, at 41% for to 29% against.

Norway is not an EU member state, but the UK remains one until Brexit negotiations have been concluded, which cannot begin until Article 50 has been invoked.

The SNP, which had representatives in Brussels on Monday making the case for Scotland's place in the EU, welcomed the poll.

The party's Europe spokesperson Stephen Gethins MP said: "Political figures across the EU have expressed support for continued membership in Berlin, Dublin, Paris and Brussels among other European capitals.

"The political and emotional appeal was also clear to see when my SNP colleague in the European Parliament, Alyn Smith, received a rare standing ovation after calling for Europe's partners not to abandon Scotland just as Scotland had not abandoned Europe during the UK Referendum.

"It is easy to see why there is appeal on both sides. Scotland holds a key strategic corner of our continent with the greatest share of the EU's renewable and hydrocarbon energy resources as well as a long external border.

"Scottish universities produce more research papers per head of population than any other country boosted by links with partners in the EU.

"Furthermore Scotland is and would continue to be a net contributor of the EU and with a population of about 5.5 million would be a medium-sized member."

He added: "Today's poll is also very encouraging."

Gethins and SNP MEP Alyn Smith were in Brussels earlier on Monday to hold a press conference in front of European journalists in which they emphasised the Scottish Government's determination to protect Scotland's EU membership.