SIR Sean Connery has come out of retirement to read a rallying cry for independence in the audio edition of Alex Salmond’s best-selling book.

Connery voiced the closing passages in the audio version of The Dream Shall Never Die, which charts 100 days to the 2014 independence referendum.

The recording will be released on Thursday on the eve of the anniversary of the historic vote, along with a Gaelic edition of the political diary and a revised version including Salmond’s “personal reflections” on the SNP’s General Election success and his return to Westminster.

Connery recorded his contribution at home in the Bahamas last month during a visit by Ochil and South Perthshire MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh.

Reflecting on the referendum year Connery said: “It was a big year. The Glasgow Games were a huge success and the referendum, well, it will come right in time.

“It’s been an astonishing journey with first Alex and now Nicola. The main thing is that Scotland is now rated ... worldwide.”

This year Nicola Sturgeon revealed Connery, who turned 85 last month, gave her voice coaching ahead of the General Election campaign. He had been expected to appear at the Commonwealth Games, but reportedly pulled out following an eye operation.

The 007 star, who has described Salmond’s book as “must-read”, has a heart condition and retired from public life in 2011.