Sir Sean Connery has been an icon of cinema and acting for more than 50 years.

He may not have made a film for a while, but his role as the first - and in the view of most fans - the only James Bond means his star still shines.

And not only in the UK. A poll in America has named Sir Sean as the most popular British star, ahead of Anthony Hopkins and Liam Neeson. According to Henry Schafer of Q Scores, who conducted the poll, Sir Sean's appeal is strong across all ages.

However, perhaps it is the young who can find particular inspiration in Sir Sean's life and career and his rise from milkman to movie star. As Ashley Jensen, the star of Extras and Ugly Betty, explains in The Herald today, the great joy of acting is that it can offer opportunities to young people from all kinds of backgrounds. In school, there is a right and wrong answer. But acting is different.

As the new patron of the Tron Participation scheme in Glasgow, Jensen will now be working to inspire more aspiring actors and directors to become involved in theatre.

The hope is that more young people will get involved in acting. With a bit of luck, we may also discover the next great icon of Scottish acting.