Proud Scot who fought hard for Scotland and its independence
Sir Sean Connery’s support for Scottish independence went back decades and he was a leading campaigner for devolution ahead of the 1997 referendum, which led to the creation of the Scottish Parliament.
Two years later, as he helped the SNP during the first Holyrood elections, he said: “If I was asked: ‘ Who do you think will win this election?’ my answer would be: ‘Hopefully Scotland’.
“We are about to have our own parliament. My hope is that it will evolve with dignity and integrity and it will truly reflect the new voice of Scotland.”
Connery was a high-profile supporter of the Yes campaign ahead of the 2014 referendum. His words galvanised support at the launch of the campaign when he stated: “The people of Scotland are the best guardians of their own future.”
He added: “I now believe more than ever that Scotland is within touching distance of achieving independence and equality.
“I am convinced it will happen in my lifetime.”
It’s believed his support for the cause and for the SNP led to moves for him to be knighted thwarted during the 1990s. He finally received his knighthood in 2000.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said yesterday Connery “was a lifelong advocate of an independent Scotland and those of us who share that belief owe him a great debt of gratitude”.
Her predecessor Alex Salmond added: “His support for Scottish independence was unshakable and started long before it was fashionable. It made him a political target for many who would otherwise have fawned over him but he shrugged it off.”
Connery continued to vocally back independence, issuing a rallying call to campaigners from his Bahamas home as the first anniversary of the 2014 referendum approached, and saying it was “only a matter of time.”
“The people of Scotland – the real guardians of Scotland – spoke in the referendum... They will not be prevented from speaking again. Scotland’s future is in Scotland’s hands.”
He also narrated an audiobook of former first minister Alex Salmond’s book, The Dream Shall Never Die.