Sean sparks a birthday row

BIRTHDAY greetings for Edinburgh screen legend Sir Sean Connery have sparked a political tussle in the Scottish Parliament.

Lothians Labour MSP George Foulkes tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating him on his 78th birthday last week.

The motion also noted Sir Sean's contribution to the 1997 devolution referendum campaign, when he appeared in support of a "Yes Yes" vote.

That prompted an amendment by Nationalist Alasdair Allan and other SNP backbenchers, adding: "We hope he will play an equally positive role in the next referendum, on Scottish independence."