Scotland: As Seen on Screen

Doune Castle, near Stirling, favoured film location for the Pythons and many more

Doune Castle, near Stirling, favoured film location for the Pythons and many more

Did you know that one in five overseas visitors to the UK are inspired to visit by images they have seen on film and tv? Well, if you love film and tv, you’ll love Scotland. With dramatic scenery, unspoilt wilderness, and fantastic architecture, Scotland is fast becoming the preferred choice for movie-makers looking for just the right location. In this week’s blog, we’re taking a look at just a few famous ‘as seen on screen’ locations within easy reach of Stirling (there are loads more). So why not book up your stay in Stirling, bring your favourite DVDs, then go and visit the film location? The name for this new kind of holiday? Set-jetting. Bring on the popcorn.

Doune Castle: Python and Game of Thrones: In 1974, the Monty Python Team headed to Doune Castle (http://tinyurl.com/q5kh7ol) just eight miles outside of Stirling, to film ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. The stunning 14th-century castle by the River Teith made the perfect backdrop to the famous parody of King Arthur’s quest to find the Holy Grail. The many different castles throughout the movie are, in fact, mostly Doune Castle taken from contrasting angles, and both the exterior and interior were used to add authenticity to the comic storyline. But the castle’s fame hasn’t ended there: recently, Doune Castle has been used as the set for ‘Winterfell’ in the cult TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, an adaptation of the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series of novels by George RR Martin. Notably, the castle was used for the exterior shots and the great feast scenes in the series’ pilot episode.

Glasgow's George Square transformed for the film World War Z

Glasgow’s George Square transformed for the film World War Z

Glasgow: World War Z and Cloud Atlas: The 2013 zombie movie ‘World War Z’ starring Brad Pitt cast a whole new light on Glasgow city centre. Watch the terrifying opening sequence of this film again, when a traffic jam turns into mass panic. That’s not Philadelphia you’re looking at, where the story is set: it’s Glasgow’s George Square. You’ll spot many of Glasgow’s infamously steep side streets used in the ‘World War Z’ crowd scenes to incredible effect. Another look at the movie ‘Cloud Atlas’ starring Halle Berry reveals that the steep streets of Glasgow around Blythswood Square and Montrose Street were again a lure for film-makers – this time replicating the streets of San Francisco in the 1970s. For information on visiting Glasgow: http://www.visit-glasgow.info/

Stirling, Loch Lomond, Trossachs and Clyde Valley: Outlander: In autumn 2013, Doune Castle was again the location of choice as filming began for new American TV sci-fi series ‘Outlander’, which tells the story of time-travelling couple Claire and James Fraser. More recently, the series producers have also spent time filming on the University of Stirling’s beautiful campus, based around the estate’s 18th-century Airthrey Castle. Numerous locations throughout Scotland, including Strathspey and Badenoch have also been used, with film-makers shooting period scenes at Newtonmore’s Highland Folk Museum. The museum includes an authentic 18th-century turf house township, pretty much a ready-made film set in the eyes of location scouts. Due for release on American TV in autumn this year, it may be some time before Outlander hits our screens for some ‘Stirling-spotting’ but it’s definitely one to add to the set-jetting list. For information on visiting Stirling Uni Campus: http://www.stir.ac.uk/ and Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum: http://www.highlandfolk.com/newtonmore.php

Glencoe, atmospheric setting for the Bond film 'Skyfall'

Glencoe, atmospheric setting for the Bond film ‘Skyfall’

Further afield: Glencoe is just two hours’ stunning drive from Stirling city centre – well within the reaches of a day trip and quite possibly a must-see for James Bond fans. Much of the 2012 Bond hit ‘Skyfall’ was filmed in the Glencoe area, in the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor. This brooding landscape was perfect for possibly the most atmospheric Bond film yet and really does merit a visit, whatever the weather. In fact, a grey sky just adds to the drama. See: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/glencoe-p236561

Iconic scene spots: Everyone remembers that slow motion scene in ‘Chariots of Fire’ when the athletes train on a deserted beach to the haunting film score by Vangelis. Get yourself to the West Sands on St Andrews beach for your own re-enactment, an easy day trip from Stirling and a great picnic location too. Not quite as romantic, but just as memorable, is Ewan Macgregor’s headlong sprint down Princes Street in the film of Irvine Welsh’s gritty novel ‘Trainspotting’. Jump on a train from Stirling to Waverley, climb the steps out of the station and turn left – you’ll be there in 40 minutes. If you’re travelling to Edinburgh by car, you might also want to consider seeing Rosslyn Chapel, whose tourist numbers have soared since it appeared in Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Whether you’re a film buff or not, this beautiful chapel is well worth a visit: http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/

These are just a few film locations around Scotland – there are so many more to choose from. For more inspiration on planning your Scottish ‘set-jetting’ holiday, see: http://www.visitscotland.com/about/arts-culture/films/locations

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