The Edinburgh International Film Festival today confirmed that 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.

The announcement comes after the Festival concluded its box-office breaking 12 day run in the new calendar-slot of June.

Commenting on the Festival’s new Patron, 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.”

BAFTA winning actor Robert Carlyle, who has a long history with the Festival which has premiered many of his films including THE FULL MONTY and PRIEST, as well as this year’s STONE OF DESTINY and SUMMER, added: “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."