Carlyle joins other stars as patron of city's Film Festival

ACTOR Robert Carlyle has been confirmed as a patron of the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

The Trainspotting star 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 event.

He 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."

Artistic director Hannah McGill added: "Robert Carlyle has had a fascinating career and continues to get better, as his extraordinary work in the new film Summer shows. He is also a loyal supporter of the festival and a passionate advocate for the industry."