Sir Richard: I'm too busy to be in Harry Potter

Sir Richard Attenborough has brushed off rumours he will star as Dumbledore in the next Harry Potter film.

Oscar-winner Sir Richard, 79, says his schedule is too busy to take the part played by Richard Harris, who died earlier this year.

But he did admit his grandchildren had attempted to persuade him into it.

The veteran star of Brighton Rock and director of Gandhi was speaking at the star-studded gala opening of the 12-screen cinema on Leith Street.

Sir Richard has also spoke warmly of the prospects for the Scottish film industry and criticised Sir Sean Connery for having abandoned the land of his birth.

He said: "Scottish cinema has always been terrific.

"I know Sean has given up on it but I don't think he should.

"It's a wonderful bag of magic to be dipped into."