091402 Scotsman

BEST-selling author Iain Banks is reported to have signed a deal with Hollywood star Dougray Scott to turn his controversial new novel into a film.

Dead Air is about a "shock jock" DJ, who rails against George Bush and Israel, and his adventures when he takes up with a gangster’s wife.

It is understood Mr Scott, who appeared in Mission Impossible 2, Enigma and Deep Impact, is being lined up to appear as the main character in the big-screen adaptation of the book .

Mr Scott first came to prominence with an appearance in the TV adaptation of The Crow Road, one of Mr Banks’ biggest success stories.

Mr Banks, who lives in North Queensferry, Fife, reportedly said: "Dougray is a good choice for the role. If he does it, that’ll be fine by me."

The new book went straight to the top of the new best-sellers chart in just six weeks.

Mr Scott, who is also from Fife, is said to have snapped up the film rights to Dead Air, which was launched by Mr Banks at Ottakar’s bookstore in Edinburgh’s George Street on Wednesday.