Connery sees independent Scotland

EDINBURGH, Scotland, April 9 (UPI) -- Sean Connery, best known to movie-goers as British spy James Bond, said he'd return to his native Scotland if it were granted independence.

Connery, a supporter of the Scottish National Party, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but left Scotland more than half a century ago. After living in London and Spain, he took up residence in the Bahamas in 1999.

In a recent interview, Connery said he would "look forward" to returning to an independent Scotland, The Scotsman said Monday. Already an unofficial Scottish ambassador at events such as Tartan Week in New York, the one-time James Bond said Scottish independence would offer more opportunities for his goodwill activities.

Connery said he thinks independence is within reach. Growing support of Scottish business leaders such as Brian Souter and Tom Farmer was an endorsement of the SNP, he said.

"It's a David-and-Goliath story," Connery told The Scotsman. "In the past the SNP didn't have the funds to get its ideas out. Now it appears we may be arriving at a more level playing field.

Business leaders now are "joining the mood of optimism" by offering financial as will as verbal support, Connery said.