Cosmo hits out at lack of Scottish film studio

Outlaw King actor James Cosmo has criticised Scotland’s failure to build a significant film studio.

The 70-year-old Scot plays Robert the Bruce’s father, Sir Robert VI de Brus, in the medieval epic, which premiered last week.

It marks more than 20 years since he starred in Mel Gibson’s Oscar-winning blockbuster Braveheart.

He said that in the intervening years, Scotland had been left behind by other parts of the UK, including Wales, where he is currently filming a fantasy series.

The veteran actor said films such as Braveheart had generated millions for the national economy, however, and it was time Scotland “got its finger out”.

Cosmo said: “People don’t get it that a successful film showing a great country like ours has huge financial implications.

“Braveheart brought in hundreds of millions of pounds to this country.

“We don’t realise it but that’s why it’s so important to support the Scottish film industry to the fullest.

“Wales has four studios. Four studios? That doesn’t look too good for us and I really hope that we get our finger out and build proper studios.”

Meanwhile, the star of the Outlaw King, Hollywood heartthrob Chris Pine, has said he hopes Scots appreciate the new take on Robert Bruce’s life.

Pine said: “We’re very excited to bring a Scottish film back to Scotland and show to an audience that, God willing, will be appreciative.”

Picture: Getty. James Cosmo appears in the new film, Outlaw King.