On Location in Scotland: the Rise of Film Tourism

Visiting the location of your favourite film –known as set jetting – is becoming very popular. With an increasing number of films being shot in Scotland, more and more film fans are coming to Scotland to walk in the footsteps of their screen idols. 

Established in 1997, Scottish Screen promotes Scotland as a place for world film-making. Locations Officer, Louise Harris, believes that word of mouth has been an important factor in promoting Scotland as a film location.

She says, "The number of recorded enquires we have had has increased year on year. So have the numbers of completed projects, One successful shoot can lead to more filming enquiries for a particular area. In 2006 we had a total of 812 enquiries from the UK and 146 from overseas."

Louise believes that Scotland's landscape is its biggest selling point for filmmakers. "Scotland has a huge range of locations to offer, from prehistoric sites to contemporary cityscapes," she says. "There are also thousands of castles and mansion houses. 

"Also, Scotland has 37 percent of the UK land mass and only 8 percent of the population live here. Therefore, this country has more space and wilderness than probably any other European country. It boasts the UK's highest mountains, deep lochs and large and accessible tracts of forest and moorland.

"Scotland also has one of the longest coastlines in Europe. There is an incredible 6,000 miles (9,700 kilometres) varying from rugged cliffs to pearl-white beaches and hundreds of offshore islands."

As more companies use Scotland as a film location, more people will visit Scotland. "Film tourism benefits not just individual locations but frequently an entire area as well," says Louise. "For example, businesses in the Badenoch and Strathspey area make good use of the branding 'Monarch of the Glen Country'." 'Monarch of the Glen' was a BBC 1 series, based in the Highlands.

However, it might be difficult to visit some locations. Louise says, "Not every location can be reached easily. Some are not prepared to receive lots of visitors once the filming is over because they are private homes. But others are very well equipped and welcoming. Historic Scotland, for example, hosts a Monty Python day at Doune Castle." Doune one of the locations for 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail'. (1975).

"But as well as the amazing locations, Scotland offers an enviable range of highly-regarded film crew and facilities. This is another reason why filmmakers choose Scotland. We also have a network of film offices offering free location help and advice."

Films which have used a Scottish location

• Stardust (2007) – Isle of Skye
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) – Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glen Nevis
• Da Vinci Code (2006) – Rosslyn Chapel, Midlothian
• Casino Royale (2006) – The Falls of Dochart, near Killin, Perthshire
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) – Glencoe, Claichaig Inn (three miles from Glencoe village)
• Entrapment (1999) – Duart Castle on the island of Mull
• Mission: Impossible (1996) – Kilmarnock to Dumfries railway
• Local Hero (1983) – Pennan in Aberdeenshire, Morar, Loch Eilt and Lochailort
• Chariots of Fire (1981) – Edinburgh, St Andrews, Sma Glen near Crieff
• From Russia with Love (1963) – Loch Craignish near Crinan in Argyll, Lochgilphead

Related Links

• Scottish Screen
• Scottish Screen Locations
• Film Bang
• Historic Scotland