Sir Sean puts success down to education

Published on Saturday 20 June 2009 11:25

SIR Sean Connery said he would never have enjoyed such a glittering career if he had not learned to read and write, as he collected an honorary doctorate in Edinburgh.

The Oscar-winning James Bond star collected the "splendid honour" at a ceremony at Edinburgh Napier University, just a few miles from the school he left aged 13.

Sir Sean, 78, said: "I know I could not be standing here today receiving this splendid honour if I had not learned to read and write at the age of five.

"What is interesting in all of this is that I never realised it until I was in my 70s. Being able to read and write was key to almost everything I've done in my life."

Sir Sean is a patron of the Screen Academy Scotland, a joint venture between Napier and Edinburgh College of Arts (ECA).

Officially awarding the Honorary Doctorate of the University, principal Dame Joan Stringer said Sir Sean was an inspiration to future graduates.