Scottish independence: Shrek star hopes Scots stay

MIKE Myers, the Canadian actor best-known for providing the voice of animated Scottish ogre Shrek, has said that he hopes Scotland remains within the UK.

Mike Myers, star of Shrek, Wayne's World and the Austin Powers series. Picture: PA

In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the Wayne’s World star was asked what view Shrek might have on Scottish independence.

Myers said that the cartoon character would want “what the will of the Scottish people want”, before adding his own personal view.

He said: “I love Scotland. I hope they remain part of Britain - and if they don’t, I still love them.”

• Get the latest referendum news, opinion and analysis from across Scotland and beyond on our new Scottish Independence website

Myers has portrayed a number of Scottish characters in his career, including Fat Bastard in the Austin Powers series and a Scottish shopkeeper in American sketch comedy programme Saturday Night Live.

The decision to give Shrek a Scottish accent was made late in the production process of the first Shrek film, with the late change reportedly costing the production around $5 million.

A spokesman for the pro-UK Better Together campaign said: “It’s no surprise Mike Myers doesn’t support separation. He knows a fairytale when he sees one.”

A spokesman for the pro-independence Yes Scotland campaign said: “As Mike Myers said, he can’t answer for Shrek - the cuddly ogre wants whatever the will of the Scottish people is, and we plan to make the No campaign green with envy by achieving a Yes vote in September.

“Everybody, including Mike Myers, is entitled to his or her view about Scotland’s future - and of course Elaine C Smith, Alan Cumming, Alex Norton, Lou Hickey, Brian Cox, Ken Stott, and Sean Connery are just some of those supporting a Yes vote.”