Red carpet rolls out in Edinburgh for film festival opening

The 70th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) opens today with a film about golf legend Old Tom Morris.

Shot on location in Scotland, Tommy's Honour - directed by Sean Connery's son Jason - is based on the story of the pioneering golfer and his relationship with his son.

Stars including Peter Mullan (pictured), Jack Lowden and Sam Neill are expected to attend the screening at the Festival Theatre.

Other big names due to appear at the festival over the next 12 days include Meg Ryan, Kim Cattrall and Kevin Smith.

Ryan will walk the red carpet to promote her directorial debut Ithaca, a coming of age story featuring a cameo by her Sleepless In Seattle co-star Tom Hanks.

Brian Cox will promote his starring role in Janos Edelenyi's The Carer, part of the Best of British strand which also includes Mercedes Grower's debut Brakes, starring The Mighty Boosh comics Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding.

Organisers have also announced Downton Abbey star Joanne Froggatt and Tom Riley will attend the world premiere of Starfish.

More than 50,000 tickets were sold for last year's festival, breaking previous records.

The festival's deputy artistic director Diane Henderson said: "In this special year we're proud to welcome so many exciting and talented guests from all over the world.

"Some we're lucky enough to welcome back and others are here for the very first time.

"If you'd like the chance to rub shoulders with your favourite actor, director, animator or producer, or the opportunity to meet the stars of tomorrow, then EIFF has it all."

• Local News