Seven-figure bidding war set for Sir Sean's memoirs

THE world’s most famous living Scotsman is finally to lift the lid on his colourful career with plans for a long-awaited autobiography.

Sir Sean Connery is understood to be preparing the book in conjunction with Scots author Meg Henderson. Industry experts believe the memoirs will attract bids of more than £3 million from leading publishers.

The book could shed light on a series of controversies throughout the life of the most famous James Bond, still a big Hollywood draw at the age of 73.

As 007, Connery had a stormy relationship with Bond producer, Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, while he may also use the book to try to draw a line under the comments which have dogged him for almost 40 years. He told Playboy in 1965: "I don't think there is anything particularly wrong about hitting a woman."

The memoirs are also likely to feature the row over the political blocking of a knighthood for the former milkman from Fountainbridge, Edinburgh - as well as the subsequent change of heart and Sir Sean’s involvement with the Scottish National Party. He has given substantial sums to the party, but has been heavily criticised for living abroad while supporting Scottish nationalism.

The prestigious literary agent Mort Janklow - who lists the Pope, several former US presidents and Jackie Collins among his clients - is thought to be representing Sir Sean’s interests. Swifty Lazar, a fellow literary agent, once claimed he could get at least $6 million (£3.4 million) for Connery’s memoirs.

Jamie Byng, owner of Canongate Books, said: "He’s a popular guy, a lot of people are interested in his life, and it’s difficult to say how much his memoirs would be worth; but the publisher would be guaranteed a best-seller.

"You have to start adding up the possibilities - there’s the UK and world rights - but you are looking at a pretty big sum, and if you have a lot of publishers queuing up, then you have an auction on your hands and you could get a lot of money. Of course, he may want a Scottish publisher to be involved, and we would love to take it on."

Henderson, who has written for The Scotsman and whose publications include her best-selling autobiography Finding Peggy: A Glasgow Childhood, has had a long-standing friendship with the actor, having met him through shared involvement in work for children’s charities.

A spokeswoman for Sir Sean said he had no comment to make.