Sir Sean Connery launched his new book at the festival
Sir Sean launched Being A Scot in front of a 300-strong crowd, which included First Minister Alex Salmond, at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
The actor backed calls by the SNP for a separate Scottish Olympic team.
He told the audience: "Scotland should always be a stand-alone nation at whatever, I believe."
The former James Bond actor also revealed his enthusiasm for US tycoon Donald Trump's controversial plans for a £1bn golf resort in north east Scotland.
He told how he met the tycoon in New York soon after the proposals were announced.
Connery told the audience: "I said 'Well, I think it's terrific'.
"But I had no idea what local repercussions would be.
"My first response was I couldn't see anything but benefits for that part of Scotland because it's pretty neglected, apart from the oil fields."
He said he had been a Celtic supporter when he was younger, after being introduced to the club by his father.
He was even involved in a benefit match for their legendary former manager Jock Stein.
"Then I changed my allegiance later with (Rangers owner) David Murray," he said.
"I met him when I got the freedom of the city here and immediately, we had chemistry.
"We enjoyed each other's company - he's an amazing chap and we've stayed very, very good friends since."
I get spat on if I go to Parkhead 