SCOTLAND’S TOP FILMING LOCATIONS

It’s not surprising that Scotland is a sought-after destination for filming purposes, and chances are you’ve witnessed its appearance in a number of beloved movies and television shows throughout time. Here, I’ve compiled a selection of personal highlights:

1 : OUTLANDER

Outlander tells the captivating tale of Claire and Jamie Fraser, taking place in a turbulent Scotland plagued by rebellions known as the Jacobite uprisings. Various settings can be found across Scotland, particularly in the Central Belt region. For instance, the fictional Lallybroch Castle, the ancestral dwelling of the Frasers, is portrayed by Midhope Castle situated on the Hopetoun Estate, located between South Queensferry and Linlithgow.

Scotland’s landscapes are adorned with lakes, valleys, and fortresses, including Glen Coe, Culross, Highland Folk Museum, Doune Castle (depicted as Leoch Castle), Hopetoun House, Pollok Country Park, Stirling University, and numerous other remarkable sites.

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2 : HARRY POTTER

Who hasn’t been captivated by the enchantment of the Harry Potter series and the movies based on the novels written by acclaimed author J K Rowling? A significant portion of the filming took place in Scotland, and some of the most famous sites include the Glenfinnan Viaduct close to Fort William, where we witness the train to Hogwarts, and the picturesque Glencoe, which serves as the backdrop for Hagrid’s Hut. Other breathtaking locations encompass Loch Shiel, Rannoch Moor, Loch Etive, and Glen.

For individuals seeking to partake in the delightful Hogwarts steam train experience, the Jacobite Express offers tours across the viaduct during the summer months.

3 : BRAVEHEART

It would be irresponsible to overlook the nationalistic – albeit historically questionable – homage to the renowned William Wallace, portrayed by Mel Gibson. Despite the fact that a significant portion of the movie, set in Scotland, was actually recorded in Ireland, numerous recognizable Scottish landmarks can be found in the popular 1995 film. Many breathtaking scenes were captured in and around the Highlands, encompassing Glencoe and Loch Leven. Glen Nevis served as the base for the fictional town of ‘Lanark’ – all that remains now is the ‘Valiant Spirit Car Park’, which may not be the most captivating spot, but the surrounding landscape undoubtedly leaves a lasting impression.

4 : THE ANGEL’S SHARE

While not achieving the same level of commercial success as the Harry Potter franchise, this movie showcases genuine Scottish resilience. For those who appreciate whiskey and the dry wit of Scotland, this film is tailor-made. Based in Glasgow, the story revolves around a father who, determined to change his ways after narrowly escaping imprisonment, embarks on an ambitious mission to acquire valuable whiskey. Alongside his newfound companions from the community restitution program, we witness the entertaining escapades of this diverse group as they attempt to outsmart the whiskey distillery. The title of the film derives from the natural loss of whiskey through evaporation in barrels, commonly referred to as the “angel’s share.”