Most famous living Scot 'is an Irishman'

Published on 18/10/2005 14:09

SIR Sean Connery, probably the most famous Scotsman alive today, is in fact Irish, according to new research.

His great grandfather was a tinker from Wexford, the research released today shows.

Ironically the Irish accent he used in the 1987 film the Untouchables playing Chicago cop Jim Malone was voted the worst accent of all time in a poll.

The former Bond star's love for the Highlands and all things tartan is personified by a tattoo on his arm, which reads Scotland Forever.

However, research by family history website Ancestry.co.uk has uncovered that his great grandfather on his father's side had emigrated from his home in Eire to Scotland.

Sir Sean is regarded by many as Scotland's greatest ambassador. He is a long term supporter of the Scottish National Party and uses his time, money and energy to promote the country he is so proud of.

His great grandfather, James Connery died on the 16th July, 1914 in Glasgow of bronchitis.

He was an impoverished Irish Catholic tinker from Wexford and came to Scotland to find a better life.

His death certificate showed that he worked in Scotland as a labourer.