Connery backs Scottish Olympic team

9:59pm Monday 25th August 2008

Sir Sean Connery has backed calls by the SNP for a separate Scottish Olympic team.

The James Bond actor, a supporter of Scottish independence, gave his backing to the calls as he launched his memoirs in Edinburgh on his 78th birthday.

He told the audience at a question and answer session: "Scotland should always be a stand alone nation at whatever, I believe."

Connery was launching his autobiography Being A Scot in front of a sell-out crowd at the Book Festival in his native Edinburgh.

SNP First Minister Alex Salmond, the actor's brother Neil and wife Micheline were among those in the 300-strong audience.

The actor also revealed his enthusiasm for US tycoon Donald Trump's controversial plans for a £1 billion golf resort in north east Scotland.

He told how he met the tycoon in New York soon after the proposals were announced.

Connery told the audience: "I said 'Well, I think it's terrific'. But I had no idea what local repercussions would be.

"My first response was I couldn't see anything but benefits for that part of Scotland because it's pretty neglected, apart from the oil fields."

He also joked with the audience about the stick he now faces from Celtic fans since switching his football allegiance to Old Firm rivals Rangers.