He once compared the Scottish National Party to the Nazis and ridiculed Holyrood as a “wee pretendy parliament” but Sir Billy Connolly has revealed that he now believes Scottish independence “may just be the way to go”.

The comedian, 75, discloses his position in his new book Made in Scotland in which he says the UK’s decision to vote for Brexit, against Scotland’s wishes, has made him reassess.

He writes: “One thing I’ve never had any interest in is hating England and the English. I like Thomas Hardy as much as I like Robert Burns. As an Anglophile I’ve never shouted for Scottish independence — but I might be changing my mind now.”

Connolly, who has spoken before of his hatred of nationalism, adds: “The