By Steve Bargeton, political editor

ACTOR SIR Sean Connery last night urged supporters from across Scotland to attend the Save the Scottish Regiments Campaign rally in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Today or tomorrow the Government is expected to confirm that Scotland’s historic infantry regiments will be scrapped and replaced with a single super regiment.

But Sir Sean said it was important to keep up the pressure on the Government.

“I am delighted to be able to lend my support to the Save the Regiments campaign,” he said.

“The work carried out by all the campaigners has been outstanding and has put the Government under enormous pressure.

“I am sorry that I am unable to be there and hope that as many people as possible will attend the rally to show their support for the campaign and Scotland’s six historic regiments.”

SNP leader Alex Salmond will be among those addressing the rally.

“It is crucial that as many people as possible turn up to support our regiments in Edinburgh on Saturday,” he said.

“The Scottish regiments in Iraq and elsewhere do a great job in difficult circumstances. The Government’s despicable plans to stab them in the back when they get home are a tremendous betrayal and the soldiers deserve our full support.

“Scotland’s regiments provide the best troops in the world. Their skills and professionalism are invaluable parts of the military and disbanding them at a time when their expertise is needed more than ever before makes no sense at all. If these plans go ahead it will be another letdown by Labour at Westminster and further proof that they cannot be trusted to stand up for Scotland’s interests.”

The marchers will assemble at 11 am in East Market Street, Edin- burgh, and will head up Princes Street before entering Princes Street Gardens for the rally starting at 12 pm.

* The Save the Scottish Regiments Campaign, with the support of The Courier, is running a free coach to take Black Watch supporters to Edinburgh. The bus will depart from Discovery Quay, beside the restaurant, at 8.30 am. The return journey will be at about 2 pm. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis. Anyone wishing to reserve a seat should phone 01980 59 49 49 or Email freecoach@edinburghrally.co.uk