The Royal High School on Edinburgh's Calton Hill is to be turned into a world-class centre of photography with Sir Sean Connery as its patron.

The board of the proposed new Scottish National Photography Centre (SNPC) has also announced that it is to receive an initial project planning grant of £48,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

According to the initial plans drawn up by the board, the SNPC will exhibit the best in national and international photography and celebrate Scotland's historic role in the development of the profession.

The site of the SNPC, the High School, is owned by Edinburgh's council, but it has been offered to the centre, subject to successful completion of its preliminary feasibility and business plans.

The Edinburgh-born former James Bond star agreed to become an SNPC patron after he was informed of the plans during a chat with a Scottish celebrity photographer in Prague. Connery subsequently met with the centre's backers in August 2002.

Joining him as a patron will be Carol Colburn Hogel of Scottish financial arts backers, The Dunard Fund.

Chair of SNPC, Dr Michael Shea, said: "This is tremendous news for the project and for Scottish photography. Sir Sean is a figure of huge importance and his support is invaluable while the award of the grant will enable us to commission a comprehensive conservation management plan for this most significant classical building. Today we have taken a significant step in fulfiling our aim of establishing a world-class photographic centre and gallery in Edinburgh."

Sir Sean Connery, commenting during his recent visit to the site of the proposed Centre, said: "If any country can claim to have been involved at the birth of photography, it is Scotland. I am delighted to become the patron of the SNPC." Details: www.hlf.org.uk