A licence to thrill Sick Kids

It is hoped Scots actor Robert Carlyle, a former villain in one of the hit movies, will be joined by Travis frontman Fran Healey at the glittering event at a city cinema.

Lord of the Rings star Billy Boyd, Scots funnywoman Elaine C Smith and Changing Rooms presenter Carol Smillie have already confirmed they will attend the screening, which is being staged in aid of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

The event, at the UGC Cinema in Fountainbridge on November 19, will be the first time Scottish fans will be able to see Die Another Day, Pierce Brosnan’s fourth Bond film and the 20th in the long-running series.

The film’s 25-a-head premiere will be followed by a private reception where ticket-holders will have the chance to win a number of exclusive prizes donated by local businesses for a raffle.

Die Another Day is expected to break all box-office records for a Bond film, thanks partly to its all-star cast, which includes Dame Judi Dench and John Cleese, as well as a cameo appearance from Madonna, who also sings the theme song.

The city cinema hosting the premiere is in the very part of the city where Edinburgh-born Bond star Sean Connery once lived and worked as a milkman.

Die Another Day also features 24-year-old Edinburgh actress and model Catherine McQueen, who was brought up in Cramond. She plays a Russian socialite who catches the eye of the British secret agent. Just 200 tickets are available for the exclusive showing and organisers promise a night of glamour with the film followed by a private reception and charity auction to raise further funds for the Sick Kids.

Kathryn Allan, marketing manager of the UGC, said: "It’s going to be an exciting and glamorous event and hopefully we can raise several thousand pounds for the Sick Kids hospital.

"We’re particularly keen to support children’s charities and it seemed appropriate at this time with all the kids films coming out at Christmas. Anyone interested should book early to ensure seats at this unique event."

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation is currently trying to raise 100,000 to equip new homes in Edinburgh which will provide respite and residential care for profoundly disabled children.

The facilities will include special relaxation equipment for the children who often suffer high levels of tension because of their conditions.

A spokeswoman for the Sick Kids hospital said: "We’re absolutely delighted that the cinema has agreed to raise funds for us."

The two new care homes will be situated at Bingham Drive, in Edinburgh, and Kestrel Brae, in Livingston, West Lothian. Both will provide high quality care for children with complex health needs.

The money raised by the appeal will go towards providing transport, sensory gardens, specially adapted playgrounds and parental accommodation in both locations, aimed at making the children’s lives as happy and comfortable as possible.

Last year the Evening News ran an appeal for the Sick Children’s Hospital with readers raising 100,000 in just three months for Scotland’s first family skills centre.

The UK premiere of Die Another Day will take place on November 18 at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The film will premiere in Scotland with two charity showings, one in Edinburgh and the other in Glasgow, the following day.

Tickets are available from the UGC cinema box office by calling 0131-228 8788.