SCOTTISH actor and independence supporter Brian Cox has announced that he will make his debut as a feature film director with a movie to be shot in Scotland.

The film’s title Glenrothan was revealed in the latest edition of showbiz bible Variety, and Dundee-born Cox has made it clear that the film will have elements that show his deep love for Scotland.

National readers are well aware of that facet of Cox’s life and also know of his strong support for independence, as exemplified by his recent appearance on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show in which he went up against Sir Keir Starmer and claimed Scotland had been “traduced".

Cox will also play a lead role in Glenrothan which is a joint project by Lionsgate UK and Nevision. According to the synopsis, Glenrothan “tells the story of two estranged brothers reuniting in the land of their birth".

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"The last time they spoke was on the day of their mother's funeral when, following a violent exchange with their father, the younger of the two left their Highland home for America.

"Forty years later the brothers finally re-unite, back on Scottish soil and in the village that houses the family business: the Glenrothan Distillery."

Cox said: "Glenrothan is my homage to the elements that make Scotland such an extraordinary country, where vibrancy and majesty of the land is [sic] expressed through passion and desire - balanced by the Scots' deep-rooted humour and grasp of the absurd.

"I want to make a film, which combines all the elements, to show my own deep love for the homeland."

The National:

Cox, 75, has directed numerous theatre productions and an episode of the HBO prison drama Oz, but this is his first attempt at directing a major feature film.

Nowadays best known for his award-winning performance as Logan Roy in the HBO smash Succession, Cox’s career on stage and screen extends back more than 60 years to his first role at the age of 14 at the Dundee Repertory Theatre. 

Twice rector of Dundee University, Cox was one of the first celebrities to endorse a Yes vote in the 2014 independence referendum.

According to Variety, Glenrothan “was created by acclaimed Scottish actor and writer David Ashton ('McLevy') and co-written with award-winning screenwriter Jeff Murphy ('Hinterland'). Lionsgate UK head of development and acquisitions Emma Berkofsky is developing the film with Nevision creative director for scripted Neil Zeiger, who will also produce. Nevision’s James Cabourne will executive produce.”

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Zeiger is quoted as saying: “’Glenrothan’ was conceived with Brian in mind. Without question he is one of the most powerful actors of his generation. However, having worked with him in front of the camera, I knew that his extensive knowledge and vision would elevate the film even further were he to also direct the movie. Emma Berkofsky at Lionsgate agreed, and an exciting collaboration was born. Personally, I’m thrilled to be working with Brian again.”

Berkofsky told Variety: “We loved the idea of Brian making a film about two estranged brothers forced to come together to save the family whisky distillery. It’s a heartwarming story which shows it’s never too late to make amends — we couldn’t be more excited to bring his vision to the big screen.”