Sir Sean Connery's finally back on screen to lay down a Homecoming welcome

Published on Friday 28 November 2008 09:04

SCOTTISH stars of screen, song and sport have joined forces to promote Scotland's Year of Homecoming in a TV advert launched by First Minister Alex Salmond today.

Ten famous Scots, including Edinburgh-born screen legend Sir Sean Connery, have each recorded a line of the Scottish anthem Caledonia for the centrepiece of the advert, which will be shown for the first time on television tonight.

The other big names who have all given their services for free to the advert include Olympic cycling gold medallist Chris Hoy, actor Brian Cox, golfer Sam Torrance and singers Sandi Thom, Amy Macdonald, Lulu and Eddi Reader.

Sir Sean's appearance is understood to be his first screen role for seven years despite several reported offers to the former 007 star.

Mr Salmond said: "Steven Spielberg wasn't able to lure him out of retirement, but Homecoming did."

The 60-second advert, which was being launched at Edinburgh's Filmhouse in Lothian Road, will be screened throughout Scotland over the next week in a bid to raise awareness of the Year of Homecoming and get Scots to invite their friends and family home for 2009.

It is planned to broadcast the advert for another run throughout the UK later in the year.

But it is also being aired on the internet, targeted at millions of people around the world.

Mr Salmond said: "Caledonia is a song that resonates with Scots the world over. For those far away it is a reminder of strong bonds, full of the promise of return. That is what makes it the perfect anthem for our Year of Homecoming.

"Next year, we will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of our national bard, Robert Burns, who himself wrote a song for his native Caledonia.

"With over 200 events nationwide to mark the occasion, this advert will sing to Scots about what we have to celebrate.

"I'm especially proud that we have a stellar line-up of Scottish talent that will deliver this invitation through this new television campaign. Sir Sean Connery, Brian Cox, Chris Hoy, Dougie MacLean, Sandi Thom, Amy Macdonald, Sam Torrance, Lulu and Eddi Reader are among the Scottish talents who have given their time and support for Scotland's Year of Homecoming.

"I hope that across the country others will be inspired to do the same, and take the time to extend a hand to friends and family around the globe."

Homecoming events being planned in Edinburgh include a procession of clan members through the streets of the city.

Around 10,000 members of Scotland's clans from around the world will parade through Holyrood Park before gathering for a "kirking" ceremony next to the Palace of Holyroodhouse next July. A procession of clan members will also march up the Royal Mile for a historical pageant on the Castle Esplanade on the first day.

More than 40,000 spectators are expected to flock to Holyrood Park for the main events of The Gathering, including one of the world's biggest Highland Games on July 24.