Robert Carlyle becomes EIFF patron

Scots actor "honoured" to join Connery and Swinton.

by Amber Wilkinson

The Edinburgh International Film Festival has confirmed actor Robert Carlyle has accepted the role of Festival Patron.

Carlyle was invited by Sir Sean Connery to join him and Tilda Swinton, the Festival’s two other Patrons, at the close of this year’s successful EIFF.

EIFF Artistic Director Hannah McGill said: "Robert Carlyle has had a fascinating career - and continues to get better, as his extraordinary work in Summer shows.

"He is also a loyal supporter of the Festival and a passionate advocate for the domestic industry. I am delighted to have such a charismatic and dedicated set of patrons and I really look forward to working with Robert."

The BAFTA-winning actor - who also took home the acting award from this year's EIFF, said: "It was a great honour to be asked by Sir Sean, and I am delighted to become a Patron of the EIFF - a Festival that showcases the best of Scottish, British and International filmmaking."

Sir Sean Connery said: "Robert Carlyle is a Scot we are all proud of and he has made his reputation as a most excellent actor at home and abroad. I am very pleased that he has agreed to become a Patron of the EIFF."

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