VisitScotland plans to use Hollywood stars such as Charlize Theron and Sigourney Weaver to promote tourism in the country.

Stars attending the Edinburgh International Film Festival will be asked to give brief endorsements of the country for use on the tourist board’s website.

A spokesperson for VisitScotland said: “There is no doubt that celebrities visiting Scotland is good news for Scottish tourism.

“Over recent years having celebrities like Christian Slater, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins at the Festivals has helped boost media coverage internationally. With Charlize Theron and Sigourney Weaver expected to attend this year, the global interest is set to continue.”

VisitScotland used this celebrity cache in a TV and cinema advert launched last year which portrayed celebrities such as Billy Connolly, Sharleen Spiteri and the Scissor Sisters at events and festivals in Scotland including Edinburgh’s Hogmanay and the International Film Festival. Details: www.visitscotland.com