The cameras are rolling...

Scotland is at the heart of the action

Filming for some of the world's most popular movies and shows has returned, including the hugely popular Outlander series, the period drama Downton Abbey, the superhero blockbuster The Flash, as well as some gritty crime dramas. We take a look at the star-studded action taking place around the country - and re-visit some other iconic film spots. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia
Some very familiar faces were spotted on board this regal vessel in spring when the cast of Downton Abbey stepped aboard to film the period drama's second movie. Downton Abbey: A New Era is the second film to be released following the end of the popular television series. The film sees the Crawley family enjoying a grand adventure to the French Riviera to uncover the mystery of a villa inherited by the Dowager Countess, played by Maggie Smith. During the movie, the family take a trip on a rather familiar yacht. Speaking about the experience, Raquel Cassidy, who plays ladies maid Phyllis Baxter said: "We were really lucky because we got to go up to Edinburgh and film on the Royal Yacht Britannia, which was a history lesson and extraordinary and a really special experience and then straight off to France." 

Why not combine a visit to see The Royal Yacht Britannia in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year with a stay at Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal? We also have two other Luxury Scotland Member properties located in Edinburgh: The Dunstane Houses and The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa.Image: Filming Downtown Abbey on The Royal Yacht Britannia. Picture credit: Ben Blackall / ©2022 Focus Features LLC.

Nearby hotels include: 
Fingal: A few minutes away.
The Dunstane Houses: Approximately 5 miles away.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh: Approximately 5 miles away.

Kinross House
The exceptional elegance and style of this incredible historic property caught the eye of location scouts for the hugely popular Outlander series last summer. The cast descended on this five star, exclusive use estate and filmed in the Reception Hall, Garden Room and Gentlemen's Drawing Room. Keen-eyed Outlander fans can catch a glimpse of the scenes shot in Episode 5 of Season 6.​ Why not follow in the footsteps of the Outlander cast and plan a magical private stay at Kinross House for yourself or your clients?
Image: Filming Outlander in Kinross House Garden Room

Glen Nevis
Located at the foot of the mighty Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, find Glen Nevis, one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland. Discover soaring peaks, gushing waterfalls and complete tranquillity. It's one of the most popular filming destinations for big hitters including, Braveheart, Highlander, Rob Roy and the first two Harry Potter movies.

Image: Glen Nevis.

Nearby hotels include: 
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: Approximately a 12 minute drive.
Glencoe House: Approximately a 30 minute drive.
Airds Hotel: Approximately a 1 hour drive.
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island: Approximately a 1 hour 15 minute drive.

Glen Etive
A spectacular glen that encapsulates the rugged remoteness of the Scottish Highlands, the single track road to Loch Etive has featured in many blockbusters. One of its most recent appearances was the James Bond movie Skyfall, where 007 and his boss M stop to survey the glen’s deep valley, the meandering River Etive. This sensational backdrop also appears in: Thor: Dark World, Gladiator, Sherlock Holmes, Braveheart and The 39 Steps.

Image: Glen Etive.

Nearby hotels include:
Glencoe House: Approximately a 50 minute drive.
Airds Hotel: Approximately a 1 hour 15 minute drive.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: Approximately a 1 hour 20 minute drive.

Eilean Donan Castle
A magnificent 13th century property in the Highlands of Scotland, situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, Eilean Donan Castle is arguably one of Scotland's most iconic settings. Located in Dornie, by Kyle of Lochalsh on the northwest coast of Scotland, it has taken centre stage in films such as The New Avengers, Highlander, Loch Ness and James Bond, The World is Not Enough.

Image: Eilean Donan Castle.

Nearby hotels include:
Kinloch Lodge: Approximately a 1 hour drive.
The Torridan Resort: Approximately a 1 hour 30 minute drive.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: Approximately a 1 hour 30 minute drive.

Glenfinnan Viaduct
This magnificent icon is one of the world’s most famous pieces of railway infrastructure and the longest mass concrete rail bridge in Scotland. Each summer, it attracts thousands of visitors a week eager to catch a glimpse of the Jacobite Steam Train which runs from Fort William to Mallaig on the West Highland Line. It has been used as a location in several films and television series, including Ring of Bright Water, Charlotte Gray, Monarch of the Glen, Stone of Destiny and most famously, four of the Harry Potter films.

Image: Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Nearby hotels include: 
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: Approximately a 30 minute drive.
Glencoe House: Approximately a 1 hour drive.
Airds Hotel: Approximately a 1 hour 15 minute drive.

Glencoe
With its mountainous backdrop, rare beauty and haunting history, Glencoe is located in the very heart of the Highlands. With eight Munro mountains towering above the glen, the dramatic landscape that makes up this area has featured in many films, most notably as the location of Hagrid’s hut and the Hogwarts covered bridge in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as well as Braveheart, Rob Roy and most recently, Mary Queen of Scots. It also appears in the first episode of season 6 of Outlander, when we see a flashback to Jamie’s time at Ardsmuir.

Image: Glencoe.

Nearby hotels include: 
Glencoe House: On the doorstep.
Inverlochy Castle Hotel: Approximately a 30 minute drive.
Airds Hotel: Approximately a 30 minute drive.
Isle of Eriska Hotel, Spa and Island: Approximately a 45 minute drive.
Crinan Hotel: Approximately a 1 hour 50 minute drive.

Faskally Forest 
Just north of Pitlochry, a little further on from Dunkeld, find the stunning Faskally Forest which was created as a model woodland in the 19th century. Today, its naturally beautiful setting has seen it feature in a number of films, including Season 4 of Outlander as the location of the Mohawk village where Roger is held in the last four episodes of the show. Quite an elaborate set was created here, including wigwams and canoes, although nothing remains today. However, this is a lovely part of the world, and the walks through the forest are well worth the visit.
Image: Faskally Forest

Nearby hotels include: 
Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa: Approximately a 5 minute drive.
Murrayshall Country Estate: Approximately a 45 minute drive.

Central Scotland 
A scenic strip that lies north of Glasgow and Edinburgh and south of the Highlands, this area has played a starring role in many of Scotland’s key historic events. Its diverse landscape, with swathes of woodlands and waterfalls, distant mountain peaks and a coastline dotted with fishing villages and sweeping sandy beaches, has not gone unnoticed in the film industry. One of the most well-loved movies of all times, Chariots of Fire, used West Sands in St Andrews for the iconic ‘athletes running in the sand’ sequence, while Doune Castle in Perthshire, was the main outdoor location for Outlander as well as appearing in Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
Image: Doune Castle.

Nearby hotels include:
Cromlix: Approximately a 20 minute drive from Doune Castle.

East Lothian 
East Lothian’s rural scenery, golden beaches and historic buildings has made it a popular film location choice in recent years. This stunning slice of countryside on Scotland's east coast, just a short drive from Edinburgh, has provided the backdrop for a host of films including The Railway Man, Mary Queen of Scots, Outlander, The Awakening, House of Mirth and The BFG.

Image: North Berwick where part of The Railway Man was filmed.

Nearby hotels include:
Greywalls Hotel: Approximately a 10 minute drive from North Berwick.

Glasgow
The streets of Glasgow were turned into Gotham City last summer as a set of rather famous masked vigilantes dashed around filming for DC Comics The Flash blockbuster. The legendary batmobile was also seen in dramatic action. Starring Ezra Miller, Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton, the film is set to hit theatres in November 2022. Parts of Outlander were also filmed here.

Image: Glasgow Cathedral where parts of Outlander were filmed.

Nearby Glasgow Hotels include:
Crossbasket Castle: Approximately a 20 minute drive.

Scottish Borders
A largely rural area, The Scottish Borders is punctuated by peaceful woodlands, rolling hills and rugged coastlines. It boasts an array of picturesque market towns as well as historic houses, beautifully restored castles and glorious gardens. It is no stranger to film crews, with many towns featuring in blockbuster movies, such as North and South, partly shot in Selkirk, Almost Heavenly in Peebles, Mrs Brown in Duns Castle, Melrose Abbey for parts of Shoebox Zoo, Hermitage Castle for Mary Queen of Scots and Floors Castle where the iconic Greystoke – the legend of Tarzan was filmed. 

Image: Floors Castle where Greystoke – the legend of Tarzan was filmed.

Nearby hotels include:
SCHLOSS Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course: Located in the east of the Scottish Borders.
Cringletie: Located in the Scottish Borders, near Peebles.