Scottish independence: Go for it, says Elijah Wood

LORD of the Rings star Elijah Wood last night told Scots to “go for it”, when asked about Scottish independence.

A fan snatches a photo of Elijah Wood on the red carpet at the premiere of his new film in Edinburgh. Picture: Hemedia

The American actor was on the red carpet ahead of the premiere of Set Fire to the Stars at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

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Wood, known for playing hobbit Frodo Baggins, was joking with cast members, before he spared a few words for his fans. He said: “It’s wonderful to be in Edinburgh. I’ve not been to this festival in many years, so I was excited that we were going to be premiering our film here.

“I’ve been here a couple of times before. I love the people, I love the landscapes. Edinburgh’s a really beautiful city. Glasgow is great too.

“I definitely think Scotland is a bit like Middle-Earth – all of the UK kind of is, a bit of England as well, a bit of Ireland.”

When asked what he thought about Scottish independence, he said: “The independence of Scotland? F****n’ go for it, man!”

Set Fire to the Stars is a semi-biographical drama based on the life of celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. The black-and-white film focuses on a week in the life of the writer as he prepares for a series of performed readings in the US.