THE case for independence is clearer now than it was in 2014, Alan Cumming has said.

The renowned actor, speaking from his home in New York State, backed the Yes campaign six years ago and declared unequivocally that he would return to Scotland to do so again for indyref2.

During an interview on BBC Scotland, the Good Wife and Goldeneye star also heaped praise on Nicola Sturgeon for her leadership during the coronavirus crisis.

Asked on The Nine if he would come back to support Yes at a second independence referendum, he replied without hesitation: “Yes.”

Host Martin Geissler added: “A straight answer, absolutely no doubt that’s where your heart is?”

Cumming explained: “I think if anything has changed since the last referendum in the political situation it would be to me, that it is more obvious now that Scotland can do better itself and that Westminster does not have Scotland’s interests at heart.

“You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to see that, and I think more and more people are realising that and feeling that in terms of the way they are being treated.”

READ MORE: Alan Cumming slams BBC for 'suppressing news about independence'

He went on to say that the pandemic had demonstrated the ability of small independent nations to govern themselves effectively, noting the role of women leaders.

"I love the fact that the six countries in the world that are doing best with Covid are all run by women, I think that’s no accident,” the actor said.

“I think Nicola is doing such a great job in terms of leading the country through this terrible thing and I think she has got a lot of justified respect with people who weren’t perhaps always on Team Nicola, so that’s a positive thing.”

The First Minister, who campaigned with Cumming ahead of the 2014 vote, sent her appreciation on Twitter.

Previously, Cumming said Scottish independence could be the “only positive” to come from Brexit.

"In my crystal ball, which is tinged with my political leanings, I would hope that Brexit and if the effects of Brexit and that leaked memo the other day with the medical supply issue, food shortages high prices and even civil unrest all being the potential outcome will hopefully further and quicken Scottish independence because that for me would be the only positive thing to come out of this debacle,” he stated.