Scotland’s landscapes have long been a source of inspiration, from painters who recreate the rugged scenes in oil and watercolour to poets whose words ensure a little piece of Scotland carries with you. And with Scottish landmarks boasting the likes of Glen Coe and the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, it’s of little surprise that this spectacular country has been immortalised on-screen as well.
Oh yes, from setting the scene for animated classics like Brave to inspiring one of Game of Thrones’ most beloved castles, there have been many famous movies and TV shows filmed in Scotland. Whether you want a Harry Potter-themed road trip (flying cars optional) or you’ve always wanted to holiday like the Earl of Grantham, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best filming locations in Scotland to inspire your next holiday…
Harry Potter
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and Harry Potter’s magical setting have become one and the same, with many Scottish landmarks making themselves at home across the eight films. Instantly recognisable, the Glenfinnan Viaduct has become a fan favourite with Potterheads and trainspotters alike, thanks to its repeat appearances in the films alongside the famous Flying Scotsman steam train (also known as the Hogwarts Express).
Another beloved filming location to appear in the Harry Potter films is the striking area surrounding Glen Coe. Home to undulating peaks and tufted trails, this scenic setting was the perfect backdrop for Hagrid’s hut in The Prisoner of Azkaban. It remains one of Scotland’s most visited sites, with many beautiful walks and things to do nearby. Several of Scotland’s beautiful lochs have made appearances in the films as well, with Loch Shiel and Loch Eilt playing the role of Hogwarts’ lake and Loch Etive appearing in The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 when Harry, Ron, and Hermione deftly escape Gringotts on the back of a dragon.
James Bond
The world’s favourite agent has visited Scotland on many occasions, from flying visits to climactic showdowns that boast almost as much drama as the landscapes that set the scene. Whether you’re driving an Aston Martin DB5 or Landy, following the road through the incredible Glen Coe valley is one of the greatest ways to experience Scotland’s famous filming locations.
The striking glen, which has been a box office backdrop for many years, set a perfect scene for Skyfall, inviting Daniel Craig’s 007 and Judi Dench’s M to travel through the beautiful Scottish Highlands before making their stand at Skyfall Lodge in Glen Etive. In The World Is Not Enough, Eilean Donan Castle played the role of MI6’s Scottish headquarters, while the tranquil scenes of the Cairngorms National Park take things up a notch with a high-speed car chase in No Time To Die.
Highlander
When it comes to Scotland-set films, you can’t beat the 80s classic Highlander. We mean, where else are you going to film a centuries-old Scottish feud than the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands? Spanning six films, three TV series, a web series, and nine novels, there is no shortage of Scottish settings to explore. Eilean Donan Castle turned into the fictional village of Glenfinnan, providing a rather spectacular place for Connor MacLeod to call home.
Neighbouring Glen Coe and Etive were perfect for battleworn backdrops, while the Isle of Skye lent the films two of its magical landscapes, The Quiraing and Trotternish Ridge, which brought several sword fights to life. With filming underway for a Highlander reboot, it’s safe to assume that the sprawling Scottish Highlands will once again play host to an immortal or two - we can’t wait!
The Traitors
When it comes to filming locations in Scotland, you’re probably thinking medieval movies, but did you know that the UK’s beloved and oh-so-sly reality gameshow Traitors is also filmed in the Scottish Highlands? Oh yes, set in the spectacular Ardross Castle, this captivating TV show has won viewers over with its striking setting and nail-biting premise. Although you can’t visit Ardross Castle, it can be booked for weddings if you’re looking to add a sprinkle of Scottish drama to the proceedings.
Outlander
Set in 18th-century Scotland, Outlander is one of the best onscreen depictions of the country’s rugged natural landscapes and landmarks. If castles are your sightseeing bag, Doune Castle acts as a stand-in for Castle Leoch, the fictional seat of Clan MacKenzie, while Midhope Castle plays the role of Jamie’s home, Lallybroch. You can also visit Blackness Castle, which featured as Fort William in the series, or you can visit the actual Fort William for a fabulous day out lined with cosy pubs, bustling shops, and incredible walks nearby.
Other notable filming locations for Outlander include Glen Coe, Kinloch Rannoch, and Hopetoun House. If you want to step back in time yourself, visit the Highland Folk Museum. This open-air museum showcases Scottish life through the ages, with lovely thatched cottages that featured in the series as the MacKenzie village.
Mary Queen of Scots
Unsurprisingly, the 2018 film depicting one of Scotland’s most famous queens enjoyed many of the country’s top filming locations, including actual places from Mary’s life. Stirling Castle, which has also been featured in the likes of Good Omens and Outlaw King, reprised its role as Mary’s childhood home and coronation, while Blackness Castle stood in for the Palace of Holyrood House.
Scotland’s capital appeared in multiple scenes, with Edinburgh’s famous portrait gallery and museum providing a rather grand backdrop, while Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park and, you guessed it, Glen Coe, offered some truly spectacular natural backdrops.
Monty Python and The Holy Grail
Whether it taught you about the many uses of a coconut or the power of positive thinking after ‘but a scratch’, Monty Python and The Holy Grail is a fan favourite that blends witty humour with Scotland’s iconic landmarks and scapes. The setting of everyone’s favourite creatively-tongued guard, Doune Castle set the scene for John Cleese’s French taunter as well as the fabulous musical number at Camelot.
In Argyll, Castle Stalker became the Castle of Aaaargh, and the fascinating copper mine at Tomnadashan Mine played host to a killer white rabbit in the Cave of Caerbannog. A popular spot for walking in Scotland, Dumyat Hill will be recognised by keen-eyed fans as the setting for the film’s climactic - or should we say, anticlimactic - battle.
Brave
Disney’s beloved animated classic Brave might not have filming locations in the strictest sense, but Scotland certainly lent its landmarks and scenery to the film’s epic backdrop. The Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides inspired the film’s enchanting rock formations, while Dunnottar Castle and Eilean Donan Castle provided plenty of inspiration for Merida’s family home.
Of course, Brave featured incredible landscapes throughout the film, from the woodlands that borrowed from the beautiful Glen Affric to Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Alongside Scotland’s rich scenery, you’ll see many customs and traditions replicated for the screen, including a careful use of tartan across the various clans and the inclusion of local legends, the Will o’ the wisps.
Local Hero
A firm favourite of many, Local Hero invites you to explore Scotland through the eyes of this classic feel-good film. Although the town of Ferness is fictional, the filming locations are very much real and pepper the Aberdeenshire coast. If you’re looking to take a selfie next to the beloved red phone box, head to the pretty village of Pennan, which played the role of Ferness perfectly.
The film’s coastal scenes were mostly filmed at Camusdarach Beach near Mallaig, with Loch Tarff playing host to the sleeping protagonists as they made their way to the coast.
Braveheart
Another historic epic to borrow backdrops from Scotland’s rugged landscapes, Braveheart made the most of the country’s towersome peaks and shimmering lochs. Glen Nevis, the sweeping valley at the foot of Ben Nevis, was used as the home of Lanark, William Wallace’s famous replica village, while Glen Coe lent its own natural beauty to the film’s landscape shots.
In the Scottish Highlands, the incredible Aonach Eagach ridge formed the inspiring opening credits for Braveheart, while Loch Leven on the east coast provided even more mountainous backdrops for the film.
Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey has borrowed backdrops from across the UK, from the grand houses of Hampshire to the Cotswolds’ pretty stone settings. The setting for one of the Christmas specials, Inveraray Castle in Argyll became an instant hit. The beautiful building became Duneagle Castle, home to the Grantham family’s cousins.
The castle is open to visitors, inviting you to explore the grounds where the family enjoyed some shooting and the grand interiors that truly set the scene for the fictional Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire.
Feeling inspired to tour Scotland’s many incredible film locations? Explore our beautiful Scottish holiday cottages and start planning a holiday itinerary worthy of the red carpet.
