BRIAN Cox has pulled out of a major Scottish independence rally after getting Covid.
The Succession star was due to be a speaker at the March and Rally for an Independent Scotland in the EU taking place in Edinburgh on Saturday.
Cox has said he is "absolutely gutted" to be missing the event being organised by Believe in Scotland and Yes for EU.
The actor said: "I am absolutely gutted to have to miss the Believe in Scotland rally which seems to be building into a pivotal moment for the independence movement.
"I was looking forward tremendously to joining the grassroots independence organisers and supporters and an inspiring list of speakers on Saturday for this positive celebration of the independence movement.
READ MORE: Scottish Tory MSPs 'frustrated' with Douglas Ross's leadership
“I would very much like to attend the Believe in Scotland March and Rally planned for early next year so I will work with the organisers to fit that into my schedule.”
Cox - who has called on supporters to speed up the push for independence - has offered to record a video for independence supporters once he is feeling well enough.
Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, the founder of Believe in Scotland, said: "Everyone at Believe in Scotland and Yes for EU wishes Brian a speedy recovery.
"We will miss both the star quality and honest integrity that Brian provides whenever he speaks on Scotland's undoubted potential as an independent nation.
"Brian has also offered to record a video for our supporters when he is fully recovered, so we will hear from him soon."
Other speakers due to appear at the event include First Minister Humza Yousaf and Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater.
The march will go down the Royal Mile from Johnston Terrace to the Scottish Parliament, where a rally will then be hosted by Alistair Heather and Kelly Given.
Two reporters from The National will be at the event on Saturday to cover all the action and speak to activists from across the Yes movement.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel