Tilda Swinton – CREDIT: Stephane Cardinale – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images

Tilda Swinton has said she once slapped a friend who called her English instead of Scottish.

In an interview with The Guardian, Swinton was reminded that an American friend once “erroneously referred to [her] as English rather than British or Scottish, she responded by slapping him”. Swinton said it happened when she was filming the 1992 film Orlando.

Reflecting on the incident, Swinton said: “Well, I’ll slap myself on the back for that now,” adding, “I mean, he should know better. And you know these Americans: you’ve got to teach them. Quite right!”

While Swinton was born in London and attended various English schools, she describes her nationality as Scottish owing to her family heritage.

Her father was Scottish aristocrat Sir John Swinton of Kimmerghame and she is the granddaughter of Scottish politician George Swinton.

Swinton also spent most of her childhood in Scotland and has lived in the Highlands since 1997.

Swinton has previously defended her identity in the past and had pledged her support for Scottish independence.

As per The Independent, Swinton once told the BBC: “I have lived in Scotland full-time for the last 20 years, I was brought up in Scotland through my childhood, I am from a family that has lived in Scotland for centuries.

“I have never felt English, and I have never felt British, politically.

“I am happy to describe myself as Scottish and I feel, like many people, that Scotland is a naturally independent country.”

In other news, Swinton recently made an appearance at Glastonbury when Orbital brought out her and Mel C as special guests during their set.

Swinton opened up the electronic duo’s set at the Park staged dressed in a long white dress with light-up specs. “Focus on a spot and when that spot has your full and complete attention, take a deep breath / let it out and close your eyes,” she said performing their song ‘Deeper’, while Orbital commenced the first track of the night.

Last year, Swinton also made an appearance at the festival during Max Richter’s set.