LONDON - Film star Sean Connery is urging fellow Scots to vote for independence when a referendum is held in September.

The longtime independence advocate says in The Sun on Sunday newspaper that the opportunity to separate from the rest of Britain is too good an opportunity to miss.

He says independence would galvanize the film and creative industries, creating new jobs in Scotland.

Connery no longer lives there and said the decision should be made by the people who choose to live and work in Scotland.

He said a vote for independence would bring renewed focus on Scottish culture, heritage and creative excellence.

His view is not shared by rock star David Bowie, who has urged Scottish voters to remain part of the United Kingdom.