Auditions have been held in Scotland as talent scouts search for an unknown youngster to star in a multi-million pound film.

The legend of Greyfriars Bobby is being turned into a �5m movie by director John Henderson.

Filming is due to start in Edinburgh next month on the tale of the terrier which stood guard by the grave of its master in Victorian Edinburgh.

It is a fantastic opportunity for a young boy who may have no acting experience at all

Casting spokeswoman

Casting director Jeremy Zimmermann is looking for a youngster to play the lead role of Ewan, a 10-year-old boy who escapes from a workhouse to join the dog in its vigil.

Open auditions were held at the CCA in Glasgow, the Ramada Jarvis Hotel in Aberdeen and the Roxy Church Hall in Edinburgh on Saturday and Sunday.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for a young boy who may have no acting experience at all," said a casting spokeswoman.

Mr Zimmerman has been responsible for casting Holyrood films such as Blade 2 and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Mr Henderson's previous directing credits include Loch Ness and The Borrowers.

Constant guard

The project has received �500,000 of lottery money from Scottish Screen.

The legend of Greyfriars Bobby dates back to the late 19th century.

The Skye terrier kept a constant guard over the grave of its owner, John Gray, in Greyfriars Churchyard for 14 years.

Bobby was buried in the same churchyard after his death and a statue was erected to remember the dog's devotion.