Sean Connery backs a Scottish Olympic team at book launch

SIR Sean Connery today 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.

The actor was joined by co-author of the book Murray Grigor, in a session chaired by broadcaster Sheena MacDonald.

Connery told the audience that he had been a Celtic supporter when he was younger, after being introduced to the club by his father who supported the club.

He was even involved in a benefit match for their legendary former manager Jock Stein.

"Then I changed my allegiance later with (Rangers owner) David Murray," he told the audience.

"I met him when I got the freedom of the city here and immediately, we had chemistry.

"We enjoyed each other's company – he's an amazing chap and we've stayed very, very good friends since."

He added, to laughter from the crowd: "And I get spat on if I go to Parkhead."

Connery added that even his brother Neil said he should support Edinburgh sides Hearts or Hibs.

"I think that's partly to do with living here all the time. When you really get outside, I think you get a more objective look."

A promising footballer, the actor told the audience that he was offered terms by former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby to turn professional in his 20s, but rejected this to pursue an acting career.

He also recalled how he had been urged to ditch his legendary Edinburgh lilt as a budding young actor, by friend Robert Henderson.

He said: "He told me the first thing I would have to do is get rid of the accent, because it's too pronounced.

"For example, in South Pacific, Millicent Martin thought I was Polish."

His well-known love of golf came after the actor took lessons for scenes he had to play in the Bond movie Goldfinger.

"I got caught, really caught by it," he told the audience.

"I have to say it's been one of the most important things in my life," he added.

"I think it should be in all the schools, but they should be taught correctly what it's about.

"It's about a code of conduct and you call shots against yourself."

He also took a swipe at former Prime Minister Tony Blair when it was mentioned that, in the books, Bond had gone to Fettes College in Edinburgh.

"Tony Blair went to Fettes too – it just proves there were failures," he added.

He hailed Hollywood director John Huston, who directed him in The Man Who Would Be King, as unique.

He said: "He was not intrusive, but was very smart and had a tremendous sense of pictures."

And despite a reputation of being difficult with actors, Sir Sean said he enjoyed working with Alfred Hitchcock.

He recalled that during a scene in the movie Marnie, the English director stopped the action and told the Scot "I think you should have some dogs feet in your speech."

As the actor looked round in bemusement, the director said: "Pauses."