This figure was up 15% from the job-creating hopes clocked up in the previous year's survey while Wood Mackenzie has previously forecast that about 85% of the UK's oil and gas reserves lie in Scottish waters.

The Scottish National Party has hopped on to the results, saying poll after poll was showing more support for a Yes vote in the independence referendum less than six months away.

"These findings showing that a job boom - even greater than previously expected - is predicted for the oil and gas sector in Scotland and serves as a major vote of confidence for the massive value of Scotland's vast natural assets," SNP member for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine Maureen Watt said.

"The Bank of Scotland survey is also further evidence that businesses know that Scotland has got what it takes to be a successful independent country.

"Successful fiscal management of the vast resources in the North Sea is vital for the best interests of Scotland's future - and an independent Scotland can succeed where Westminster has failed.

"More than half the value of North Sea oil remains - up to 24 billion barrels with a potential wholesale value of up to £1.5 trillion. We must not let Westminster continue to squander the remainder of this hugely valuable resource and deter further investment; instead we must work with the industry and ensure that oil and gas revenues are used to benefit all of the people of Scotland."

The bank's survey results came out a week after Amjad Bseisu, CEO of independent North Sea oil producer Enquest, backed the Scottish government's proposed regulatory regime over an "out of date" UK government system for this industry.

A recent poll by ICM Research found that 39% of the 1010 voters surveyed would vote yes - up 2% from March.