Harry
Potter’s Edinburgh homecoming on screen was
an emotional night for the boy wizard’s creator,
JK Rowling.
The author, whose early drafts of her books were
penned in Nicolson’s cafe in the city centre,
arrived at the Ster Century cinema in Leith with
partner Neil Murray for the Scottish premiere
of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s
Stone.
Ms Rowling said: "It’s home and it’s
where Harry was born, so this was a very emotional
moment for me."
The premiere was much lower-key than the earlier
extravaganza in London. In the absence of Floo
Powder or broomsticks as magical modes of transport,
the stars stayed away. A spokeswoman for Warner
Brothers insisted Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris,
Daniel Radcliffe and co were too busy reading
scripts for the sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber
of Secrets, which is ready to go into production.
Celebrities who did attend included TV presenter
Carol Smillie, journalist Kirsty Wark and author
Ian Rankin.
Last night’s event was expected to raise
at least £25,000 for two charities chosen by Ms
Rowling - MS Society, Scotland and Maggie’s
Cancer Care centres.
The film, out on general release on 16 November,
has already broken box office records by taking
the biggest advance bookings for a movie release.
It has topped £1 million already and it is expected
to generate more than £1 billion from ticket sales
and merchandise. The books have sold more than
100 million copies worldwide and been translated
into 47 languages.
This week...
o Scottish Screen in Shetland Film Controversy >>>
o Scotland’s Mansions put on the Movie
Map >>>
o Edinburgh Conservatives decry refugee
video diary project >>>
o Who Dressed Harry Potter?
>>> archive >>>
Harry
Potter’s Edinburgh homecoming on screen was
an emotional night for the boy wizard’s creator,
JK Rowling. 