The Sean Connery Foundation, announced to coincide with the second anniversary of the James Bond star’s death, will focus on supporting education and ocean conservation projects in the two countries. It is expected to distribute an initial £6 million in grants by the end of this year.

St Andrews University, Dyslexia Scotland, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation and the Scottish International Education Trust, which Sir Sean established in the 1970s, will be among the initial beneficiaries. Stephane Connery, the stepson of the Edinburgh-born actor, will chair the foundation.

He said: “After two years of reflection, research and discernment, we have chosen to focus on the communities that Sean loved and on issues that reflect his beliefs, passions, and legacy. Above all, Sean believed that education was a force-multiplier and was most concerned that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, like his own, be given opportunities to succeed.

“Thanks to Sean’s gift, we dearly hope that our family’s grant making will help young Scots and Bahamians, along with our oceans, to thrive.”