Highland screen industry boom attracts over £3M in direct film spend

The screen industry across Scotland has seen a boom in recent years and the Highland region has helped drive this growth.  Recent figures collated indicate that 2022 was a record year for Highland with direct spend in the area reaching over £3M, from a range of national and international productions.

The Highland Council operates the Highland Film Commission and has been central to the growth of the screen industry in Highland, promoting locations and services and supporting productions throughout the process.  It also reports on regional data to national film offices to help to shape future policy and changes within the screen industry.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair. Cllr Ken Gowans said: “At times of economic recovery this is very welcome news. The £3M spend includes location fees, local crew hire, accommodation, catering, and extended services required by the productions and has been spread across the whole of the Highlands including Duncansby Head, Caithness, Wester Ross, and the Isle of Skye.

“With our outstanding scenery, pent up demand for visits to the culturally rich Highlands and crews supported by professional expertise, the Highlands offer a huge amount to film productions and commercial marketing, which we all welcome and look forward to further economic growth in this area throughout 2023/24.”

Productions throughout 2022/23 include both the UK and US versions of The Traitors, Chemistry of Death for Paramount Plus, C4’s Miriam and Alan Lost in Scotland and Beyond, a Bentley Car Commercial for their Flying Spur Speed model and many others.

The Traitors was a Studio Lambert production for the BBC reality competition series, which was filmed at Ardross Castle, which due to its popularity and success became one of the standout TV shows of 2022. Film offices across Scotland were approached by the production company when they were first scouting locations, and it was the Highland Film Commission who were successful in recommending Ardross Castle to them.

The Council are hopeful that 2023 will be another successful year for film production, with several largescale shoots already taken place and in the pipeline.  Showcasing the Highlands via film and brand marketing to a national and international audience of viewers will in turn attract tourism and spend across the Highlands.

To find more information about the Highland Film Commission, please visit their website here.