We’re not surprised Scotland is picked to be, in our opinion, the star of the show of so many films and TV series. Sorry, Daniel Craig and Skyfall, but Glen Etive was the showstopper in that film!
So many producers pick Scotland’s dramatic landscape and historic cities as the set for some of the biggest films and TV series—and yes, we just gave it away; Skyfall is one of them.
And if you’re renting a motorhome, you’ll likely drive by some of them without realising it. Read on for some of the most famous!
James Bond: Skyfall
So, yes, James Bond: Skyfall is one of the most famous films ever to be filmed in Scotland.
The landscapes of Scotland were fully exaggerated in the film. One particular scene, the Glencoe scene, stands out—the one where Bond (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) are getting closer to Bond’s remote family home.
Notice how they highlight the clan heritage, and the rugged and desolate landscape of Glen Coe becomes the perfect counterpoint and a haunting atmosphere to the cutscene and to the narrative that is about to unfold. Here’s a YouTube clip of the scene!
The area’s unclaimed wildness, with Glencoe’s breathtaking peaks and valley mist, was vividly shown to the rest of the world. The film took advantage of the setting and showed multiple points of the foothills, including the popular Three Sisters area.
Harry Potter
Well, sorry, Bond, Harry Potter is by far the most famous film to ever have scenes shot in Scotland.
Scotland’s castles and mountains are infinite in Harry Potter. One of the most famous is the Glenfinnan Viaduct and the famous Hogwarts Express travelling along (or Ron with his enchanted Ford Angila in the Chamber of Secrets). To fans of the films, the viaduct near Fort William became an important symbol. Now known as the Jacobite Steam Train, you can have a go on it and feel the magical vibes!
You can also visit Loch Shiel, which was the location for the Great Lake or Rannoch Moor, which was used to film the eerie scene where the dementors board the train. And in Glencoe, you’ve got the Clachaig Inn, better known as Hagrid’s Hut.
Braveheart
OK, maybe we overstepped by saying Harry Potter was the most famous film – Braveheart has to be, it’s Scottish heritage. Running through some of the most important events in Scottish history, how could they not film it in Scotland?
The popular historical drama filmed in 1995, directed and starred by Mel Gibson, was set across Scotland. Even though the Scotland shooting was only a depiction and imagination of the true history, it managed to capture so many intricate details of true Scottish history. Filming sites included Glen Nevis, Loch Leven, and Rannoch Moor.
Arguably, the most dramatic scene in the film is its portrayal of the ‘Battle of Stirling Bridge’—filmed in a field close to Loch Leven. Although the battles in the movie are savage and violent, they portray the spirit of the people of Scotland and their struggle for liberty.
The Crown
Scottish settings are frequent in Netflix’s The Crown, which depicts the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
One of the most amazing settings in the series that featured Scotland is Ardverikie Estate, which masqueraded as Balmoral Castle. The estate is located southwest of Loch Laggan and features the beautiful scenery of the Cairngorm mountains.
You’ll also see Glasgow Cathedral and Hopetoun House throughout the series. If you love the show, you’ll love to visit these historic and majestic sites!
Game of Thrones
Northern Ireland holds the title of the home of Game of Thrones, but Scotland can take a piece of the glory pie.
Although most of the series was shot in Northern Ireland, some scenes did travel across the sea to Scotland. Doune Castle, located a short distance from Stirling, showed Winterfell in the first episode of the series. Its mediaeval architecture fit the exterior of the Stark family’s seat perfectly.
Doune Castle is still a hit among the fans even now, with the place offering guided tours that explain its significance in the history of Britain and its original Turnbull family residents.
Other views included the colossal Cairngorm mountain range and the adjacent Loch Lomond.
It is out of doubt that Scotland is one of the best filming locations for films and TV series. Whether they need a historic, mysterious city or breathtaking mountain ranges, Scotland has it all. So pack your bags and find out the cinematic beauty that Scotland has to offer by yourself!