Scotsman

SCOTS film idol Sir Sean Connery has vowed never to return to live in his native country until it is independent.

The Bond star said if he ever retired he would be spend a lot more time in Scotland, but would not buy a house here until the country had gained complete autonomy.

However the 72-year-old, who has been vilified in the past for living abroad while calling for Scottish independence, said he believed the country will become independent within his lifetime.

And he added that one of the reasons he had chosen not to live in Scotland at the present time was because of fears he would be hounded by sections of the tabloid press whom he accused of "crucifying people".

Sir Sean said: "I honestly believe Scotland will become independent and I will have a house in Scotland - but not until then.

"If I do retire and I have no idea whether I will retire or not, then I’d certainly spend much more time there."

The actor, who recently declared paying £3.7 million to the UK treasury since 1997 in an effort to silence accusations of tax-dodging, is to re-start donating to the SNP.

Sir Sean was prevented from contributing to the party under new rules preventing overseas donations.

But the Oscar winner has now registered to vote in London and has set aside £750,000 for the SNP.

Sir Sean admitted yesterday that he missed the leadership of former SNP head Alex Salmond, saying new leader John Swinney was not as charismatic.

But he added Mr Swinney’s strength lay in his trustworthiness. .

He also praised the "remarkable" Scottish Socialist leader, Tommy Sheridan.