A CLAIM by Sir Sean Connery that his plan for a multi-million- pound Scottish Film Studio has been 'killed off'; by Labour for political reasons has been criticised by a council leader as inaccurate and misleading.

Councillor Donald Anderson, who will voice his concern at the accusation when he delivers his 'leader's report'; at a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council later this week, maintains nothing could be further from the truth.

He said Edinburgh would be delighted to secure a film studio of which Scotland could be proud.

The council does not wish to slight the reputation or interests of one of the city's favourite sons. It was a Labour council that gave Sir Sean Connery the freedom of the city for his

outstanding achievements as one of the world's most famous and accomplished

actors

Backed by the Sony Corporation, the studio plan envisaged a major facility costing £60m to £90m and creating about 1400 jobs.

Land owned by David Murray, the chairman of Rangers, on the outskirts of the city appeared earmarked for the studio and entertainment complex, but the question of the use of greenbelt area has led to problems.

In his report to the local authority, Mr Anderson maintains that a statement by the actor in a newspaper last month that his 'dream'; had been prevented by Labour was inaccurate.

No planning application for such a studio was ever refused, the report states, adding: ' no application was ever submitted.'

Initial discussions took place with David Murray during 1998 and 1999. These discussions were in the context of a city council keen to build on the international profile of Edinburgh and recognising the economic benefits a studio could bring.

'The council offered to work with Mr Murray in developing his concept. No further information has been brought to the council's attention and no further discussions have taken place. I am very concerned at the accusation that the studio proposal was killed off for political reasons.'

Meanwhile, the Edinburgh Film Festival has been voted one of the top five events of its kind by the world's movie industry, according to a survey.

The festival was rated above long-running events in Milan and Montreal in a survey of US and British film buyers. The results will be a huge boost for the festival, which celebrates its 55th year when it opens on August 12.

Edinburgh has become a key date in the movie calendar, consistently showing films that become commercial successes or secure distribution deals.

First to show The Full Monty, it was also among those which premiered The House of Mirth, starring Gillian Anderson of X Files fame, and international acclaim followed its screening of Lynne Ramsey's Ratcatcher and Breaking the Waves, by Lars von Trier.

The survey was commissioned by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian to find ways to develop the festival into a year-round internet service.

Raymond Duncan