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.
“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.
