My favourite movie star . . .Brian Cox by Patricia Ferguson

Brian Cox has a matter-of-fact attitude to acting.

He's been quoted saying: "Research is bollocks, an excuse for a lack of talent. It's all about the imagination - there's the script and you just do it." And do it he has, although the road to genuine recognition has been long and hard.

Having captivated theatre audiences with peerless thespian displays, and ignited cinema screens with barnstorming performances, Cox has established himself as more than a match for acting's A- list aristocracy.

He's still best known for his chilling portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter (1986), an outstanding display of understated evil. His profile has been raised further after a run of recent hits including The Bourne Identity (2002) and Supremacy (2004), 25th Hour (2002) and X-Men 2 (2003). Cox is also in the premiere league of British theatre performers.

I like the fact that he has remained loyal to Scottish theatre - he cut his teeth with Dundee Rep - and has frequently returned home to perform;

audiences were mesmerised by his lead role in Uncle Varick at the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh last year. Through hard graft, he's become a star of stage and screen. He's brilliant and Scottish, and of that we should all be proud.

Patricia Ferguson is Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport in the Scottish Parliament

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