Film producers are hoping to sniff out a Scottish youngster for a starring role in a movie based on the legend of Greyfriars Bobby.

The tale of the terrier which stood guard by the grave of its master in Victorian Edinburgh is to be transferred to the big screen in a �5m film.

Now film producers are travelling to the city as they seek an unknown actor to play the part of a 10-year-old boy who escapes from a workhouse to join the dog in its vigil.

Casting director Andrea Clark, of London-based Jeremy Zimmermann Casting, said children with no acting experience were often the best choice for high-profile roles.

We're looking for a nice, fresh face and we would really like him to be Scottish

Andrea Clark Casting director

"A lot of children don't know they can act and it's up to us and the director to see their potential and draw it out of them," she said.

"We're looking for a nice, fresh face and we would really like him to be Scottish.

"What is really important is that the personality of the child shines through."

Open auditions will be held from 1000 to 1600 GMT on Saturday, 2 November and Sunday, 3 November at CCA, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Market Street, Aberdeen and the Roxy Church Hall, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh.

'No acting experience'

Those behind the film said they were offering a youngster the chance to follow in the footsteps of Daniel Radcliffe, who was plucked from obscurity to play the lead role in the Harry Potter films.

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

"He could have the same sort of fame as Harry Potter, so it's a tremendous chance.

"The producers are not looking for a stage school child, they're looking for someone who is totally natural, so I can imagine all the aunties and grannies getting their nephews and grandsons scrubbed up for the auditions."

Scottish Screen has invested in the film

The film, to be called Greyfriars Bobby, will be directed by John Henderson.

His previous credits include Loch Ness and The Borrowers.

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.