SCOTTISH actor Alan Cumming revealed on Friday he had returned his OBE following "misgivings" about the monarchy and the British Empire.

The Hollywood star said the royals' role in the "exploitation of indigenous peoples" had led him to hand back the honour after receiving it 14 years ago.

But he's not the only one to have handed back the award. David Bowie, Danny Boyle, John Cleese, and Ken Loach are all known to have snubbed the royals.

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But which other Scots have declined to accept an Order of the British Empire (OBE) - and why?

(Possibly) Peter Capaldi

The National: Peter Capaldi said an OBE isn't quite his thingPeter Capaldi said an OBE isn't quite his thing (Image: PA)

The 12th incarnation of the famous Doctor hinted in 2017 that he snubbed an invitation to receive an OBE.

During a press conference, the Glasgow-born actor said he "wasn't really that interested" in receiving such an award.

Dodging a question on whether he had ever offered the honour, he said: "'I think it's lovely that people get them but it's not really my thing."

When asked again, he said: "Well, I don't know that that's the proper ...', before stopping himself.

Ian McDiarmid

The National: Ian McDiarmid is reported to have snubbed the royalsIan McDiarmid is reported to have snubbed the royals

The Angus-born actor and director, best known for his role as Palpatine in the Star Wars franchise, is reported to have declined an invitation for an OBE.

It's not clear why McDiarmid chose not to accept the honour.

Craig Murray

The National: Craig Murray says he turned down three different honoursCraig Murray says he turned down three different honours (Image: PA)

The former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan said he has rejected three honours in his time. An OBE and two Royal Victorian Orders, a CVO and an LVO.

The Scottish independence campaigner said he had explained to the late Queen in person that he rejected the invitation "as a republican and a Scottish nationalist".

He described the interaction as a "perfectly friendly conversation on both sides".

Tricia Marwick

The National: Tricia Marwick said she already had 'meaningful honours' in her lifeTricia Marwick said she already had 'meaningful honours' in her life

In 2016, The Courier revealed that the Scottish Parliament's first female Presiding Officer had turned down an honour from the royals.

The former SNP MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes declined to put herself up for the award after being offered the chance by a senior Tory politician. 

She said the honours system had been "devalued" by some of the nominees in recent years.

Marwick said: “I understand that the UK Government wished to ensure that the first female Presiding Officer was recognised in the Honours list. I declined.

“I do not criticise those who accept an honour. That is a matter for each individual and I understand the great joy and pride it can bring.

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“However, it is not for me. I  would be a hypocrite to now accept an honour when I have opposed the honours system all my life.

“Further, in recent years it has become devalued by some of those who have been recipients."

Marwick said she already had "many meaningful honours in my life".

She said: "To be one of the first MSPs when our Parliament was reconvened in 1999, to be elected as  MSP for my home constituency of Central Fife and then to serve as the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament.

“That is recognition and honour enough for me. I have no need for further rewards or honours.”