Actor Sir Sean Connery will provide the voiceover for a film promoting Scotland’s status as the world capital of golf.

Scotland the Home of Golf is being developed by EventScotland and VisitScotland and will form part of the Scottish Government’s Homecoming celebrations in 2009.

The film will premier at this year’s Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in the USA to the world’s golf media and will encourage people to visit Scotland for the Homecoming celebrations at The Open championships at Turnberry and the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

Connery said:

“I'm delighted to lend my support to this initiative. I've been a lifelong supporter of golf and Burns, so to combine the two next year seems very appropriate. I look forward enormously to promoting the film, which I'm sure will do justice to Scotland's reputation as the home of golf.”

First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the news:

“It is fantastic that Sir Sean has decided to do the film. Steven Spielberg couldn't lure him out of retirement, but Homecoming obviously has! 2009 will be a fantastic year to invite people around the world, with either a family link or affinity for Scotland, to come home.

“I want to urge everyone in Scotland to play their part in what will be the biggest ever celebration of Scotland's achievements and culture, and our ties of family and friendship around the world. I would encourage golf clubs across Scotland to take part in this great golf give-away, as we promote the home of golf to the world.”