SCOTTISH legend Brian Cox has been revealed as the new voice of an upcoming novel by Ian Rankin and William McIlvanney.
The Hollywood star is set to be the audiobook reader for the crime story The Dark Remains, published by Canongate.
While McIlvanney died back in 2015, an unfinished, handwritten transcript detailed protagonist Jack Laidlaw's first case.
Rankin then finished the book which takes readers through the world of crime in 1970s Glasgow.
READ MORE: Brian Cox delivers powerful call for independence in new Yes campaign video
McIlvanney's Laidlaw series is said to have inspired the likes of Chris Brookmyre, Val McDermid, Mick Herron, and Denise Mina, as well as Rankin himself.
The novel will follow Laidlaw's "relentless quest for truth".
William McIlvanney published his first novel, Laidlaw, in 1977
Cox, an Emmy award-winning actor, who stars in the critically acclaimed American TV programme Succession, has been a vocal supporter of Scottish independence.
He has previously said independence is inevitable, saying it is a matter of "when, not if".
The actor, who switched from Labour to the SNP around six years ago, has also criticised the UK Government, saying: "The idea that this government has the faintest clue or interest in Scotland – forget it."
Now, Cox is bringing his "magnetic voice" to this Scottish project.
Commenting on the book, Cox said: "[McIlvanney] really set the standard. His ideas were very original and it’s great that Ian has taken that mantle on and has, respectfully, done this extraordinary fusion. This is the perfect marriage."
And Rankin (below) said: "I can’t think of anyone better suited to capture the spirit and essence of Jack Laidlaw than the spellbinding Brian Cox."
Francis Bickmore, Canongate publishing director, added: "The combination of Brian Cox, Ian Rankin and William McIlvanney for The Dark Remains audiobook is unbeatable.
READ MORE: Succession star Brian Cox: Scottish independence is inevitable
"Hot off the heels of filming the third season of 'Succession', we are thrilled that Brian was able to apply his magnetic reading voice to the audiobook of the new Laidlaw book.
"A long-term fan of the thrillers of both McIlvanney and Rankin, he was always the dream reader.
"I hope fans will want to read this novel once in hardback and then enjoy it all over again in audio."
The audiobook is set to be launched on September 2, being sold alongside the hardback, and will be available to listen to exclusively on Audible.
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