The polls have closed. Now, while we wait for the votes to be tallied in the Scottish Independence Referendum—a political Braveheart (albeit featuring far less maiming and Mel) deciding whether Scotland, after 307 years, should become an independent country or remain a part of the United Kingdom—let’s see how the most prominent Scottish and English celebrities have sided, shall we?
SEAN CONNERY
Even though he’s retired from acting, the former Mr. Universe and 007 remains arguably the most famous Scottish celebrity in the world. Connery penned an op-ed for the New Statesman in favor of Scottish independence, writing, “The powers of independence will allow Scotland to develop and enrich its culture as well as marketing it more effectively… as a Scot and as someone with a lifelong love for both Scotland and the arts, I believe the opportunity of independence is too good to miss. Simply put—there is no more creative act than creating a new nation.”
Unfortunately, Mr. Connery did not vote in the referendum—according to his brother, Neil. “There’s only a certain amount of days Sean can be in the country for tax reasons, so I know that he intends to use them wisely,” Neil told the Edinburgh Evening News.
THE QUEEN
The Queen had remained fairly agnostic throughout the process—that is, until she urged voters in Scotland, “I hope everybody thinks very carefully about the future.” This, for the tight-lipped Queen, is the rough equivalent of Breaking Bad’s Walter White warning Hank Schrader to, “Tread lightly.”
PRINCE HARRY
Everyone’s favorite ginger royal gave his subtle support for the “NO” campaign when discussing how he hoped the Invictus Games would be held in the UK next year—in Glasgow. “I personally would love to keep it in the UK,” said Prince Ginge.
ANDY MURRAY
The Scottish tennis star tweeted his support of the “YES” campaign in favor of an independent Scotland:
THE BIG 200
A group of over 200 celebrities signed an open letter that ran in The Guardian urging against independence, saying, “The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone. Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom. We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them. What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together.”
Among the signatories were Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Coogan, Simon Cowell, Dame Judi Dench, Michael Douglas, Richard Dawkins, David Gilmour, Stephen Hawking, Mick Jagger, Eddie Izzard, Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sting, Patrick Stewart, and many others. DAVID BOWIE
Ziggy Stardust is on the “NO” train, urging voters after accepting a trophy at the BRIT Awards to “stay with us.”
RUSSELL BRAND
The outspoken British comedian seems to be onboard the “YES” train as well:
HUGH GRANT
Everyone’s favorite dimpled British romcom star is “NO,” tweeting:
DAVID BECKHAM
England’s most famous footballer opposes Scottish independence. “We want to let you know how very much we value our relationship and friendship,” Beckham wrote in an open letter distributed by the pro-U.K. unity “Let's Stay Together” campaign, as reported by the U.K. Press Association. “Of course regardless of your decision that will never change, however, my sincere hope is that you will vote to renew our historic bond which has been such a success over the centuries and the envy of the entire world. "What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together.”
J.K. ROWLING
The Harry Potter author (and billionaire) is team “NO”:
EWAN MCGREGOR
The Scottish Trainspotting star isn’t so sure “YES” is the right move. “‘I’m a Scotsman and I love Scotland with all my heart. But I also like the idea of Great Britain, and I don’t know that it wouldn’t be a terrible shame to break it all up,” said McGregor.
JAMES MCAVOY
The Scottish X-Men star has remained neutral on the issue of Scottish independence. “I don't trust politicians at all, and I don't really think that actors, i.e. professional liars, are the best people to be commenting and to be backing up other professional liars, i.e. politicians,” he told The Wall Street Journal. “I'll go with my country no matter what way they vote, I just hope that my country follows its heart and its gut rather than listening to redundant political debate.”
PIERCE BROSNAN
The Irish actor and ex-James Bond—whose father was Scottish—is cool either way. “If that's what they want, I wish them well,” Brosnan told The Hollywood Reporter. “The world will turn the same way with or without their independence.”
SUSAN BOYLE
The Scottish singer is voting “NO,” revealing her feelings in a candid op-ed in The Mirror, writing, “I am a proud, patriotic Scot, passionate about my heritage and my country but I am not a nationalist… We have still been able to retain our proud identity while being a part of Britain.”
ALAN CUMMING
The Scottish star of CBS’ The Good Wife is a big “YES” when it comes to Scottish independence. “The evidence is clear — in the past 15 years we have become stronger economically, socially, culturally and globally,” he said, according to BBC. “The world is waiting for us and I know Scotland is ready.”
GERARD BUTLER
The Scottish hunk is—surprisingly—leaning towards “NO” when it comes to Scottish independence. “I have yet to be convinced that it will work in our best interests,” said Butler. “I used to be totally pro-independence, I was massively in favor of it, but now my feeling is that we should be about coming together rather than separating ourselves.”
HUGH LAURIE
Best known as Dr. Gregory House on the Fox series House, the Brit is really OK with whatever result comes:
GROUNDSKEEPER WILLIE
Last but certainly not least, everyone’s favorite animated Scot—The Simpsons’ Groundskeeper Willie—appeared in a video where he, oddly, remained neutral on the subject of Scottish independence. Still, it’s definitely worth a gander:
