Brian Cox to speak at Scottish independence Edinburgh rally

Believe in Scotland announced his appearance, with organisers sharing that Cox will bring "an extra dimension" to the event.

The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor will speak alongside the First Minister, as well as Scottish Greens co-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, at the Believe in Scotland event at Calton Hill, Edinburgh, on March 28.

Cox is widely known for being a vocal campaigner for the independence movement having previously been a member of the Labour Party. The Succession star revealed in 2015 that Labour had failed to live up to their basic principles and he instead joined the SNP.

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“I grew up in a Scotland that was always expected to make do, to accept decisions made elsewhere, and to be grateful for whatever scraps of attention came our way," the 79-year-old from Dundee said.

"That didn't seem to me to be a union of equals, rather a nation being dictated to. I have also spent my life watching Scotland’s talent travel the world, while looking back to see Scotland’s assets and Scotland’s democratic will treated as if they were someone else’s property. Over time, that wears people down, creating a kind of quiet defeatism within our nation.

"Independence is simply the normal state of a nation. It is how we, the people of Scotland, change Scotland's outlook, Scotland's prospects, how we build a fairer economy, one that serves the people's wellbeing, and how we turn Scotland from a nation whose wealth is extracted to one where its wealth regenerates our communities. Independence will flip the switch so that wealth, power, and opportunity circulate here for the common good of the people of Scotland."

He concluded: “If, like me, you believe Scotland should be an independent nation, then I hope you will join me in Edinburgh on Saturday, March 28 for the Believe in Scotland march and rally, and let’s showcase the confidence, warmth and determination of our Yes movement to those who so desperately need it.”

Believe in Scotland does not support any political party but last year signed an agreement with the SNP to "work together to advance independence as the democratic will of the Scottish people".

Marchers will gather from 11.30am on the Royal Mile by Parliament Square before setting off at midday. Saor Alba Pipes and Drums will lead the way down the Royal Mile and then to Calton Hill.

The march is expected to arrive at Calton Hill around 1.20pm and the rally will begin shortly after.

Believe in Scotland founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp added: “Brian speaking at our rally adds an extra dimension to the event, we have already announced the leading political voices within the independence movement, we have also lined up some of the top activists and champions of the cause of independence.

"Now one of our most famous and respected members of the Scottish independence family will share his thoughts on how independence can create a better, fairer, more positive and more caring Scotland."

MacIntyre-Kemp reflected on the first time he saw Cox speak, at the launch of Yes Scotland in 2012, stating: "His story of having to leave Scotland for work and watching it change from afar and become more positive and ambitious as independence support rose, stayed with me – we are not doing this for the politicians, we are doing it for the people, for the sake of the nation we can be, the nation we deserve to be.”