
With its breathtaking landscapes, Scotland has provided an ideal backdrop for many iconic films and TV shows over the years.
This has clearly had a positive effect on tourism in the country, as a survey from Visit Scotland shows that 1 in 5 visitors said that film, TV, or literature was a source of inspiration when deciding to visit.
Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures, historical dramas, or cult comedies, you’ve likely encountered some of Scotland’s stunning locations on the big screen without even realising it.
Continue reading to discover 12 iconic films and TV shows that were filmed in Scotland.
1. Harry Potter
Perhaps one of the most magical views in the Harry Potter films is the sight of the Hogwarts Express crossing the majestic Glenfinnan Viaduct.
In fact, the historical bridge has appeared in four of the eight Harry Potter films, making it synonymous with the journey from “Platform Nine and Three-Quarters” in King’s Cross to the wizarding school.
Located on the West Highland Line near Loch Shiel, the viaduct offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the series. So much so that the British Transport Police had to issue warnings for fans putting themselves in danger, the BBC reports.
2. Vigil
In 2021, the gripping BBC drama, Vigil, gave viewers a taste of life on a nuclear submarine, with a murder-mystery twist.
While the award-winning series did follow a murder investigation aboard a claustrophobic submarine, it also featured views of Scotland’s rugged coastline, particularly in and around Glasgow.
This included the iconic Clydebank Docks, Hamilton Park Avenue, and the instantly recognisable “Squinty Bridge”.
3. Braveheart
Winning five Oscars is no easy feat, yet this is exactly what the 1995 film, Braveheart, managed to achieve.
The epic historical drama, starring and directed by Mel Gibson, tells the story of William Wallace, the Scottish freedom fighter who led the struggle against English rule in the late 13th century during the First War of Scottish Independence.
While the historical accuracy of the film is questionable at best, the sweeping Scottish countryside – such as Glen Nevis in Fort William and Loch Leven in Fife – provided the perfect backdrop for Wallace’s struggle for independence.
4. Skyfall
Skyfall is one of the more memorable modern James Bond films, and it showcases some of Scotland’s stunning scenery.
In the film, 007 returns to his childhood home in Scotland, passing along the A82 road in his iconic Aston with incredible views of Buachaille Etvie Mor, a mountain in the Glen Etvie area.
Moreover, the action-packed scenes around Bond’s home were filmed in the dramatic landscapes of Glencoe, an area known for its rugged beauty.
5. Outlander
The historical drama series, Outlander, managed to captivate audiences with its stories of time travel and romance when it was released in August 2014.
Spanning eight series, the TV show follows Claire Randall, a second world war nurse who is transported back to Jacobean Scotland in the 18th century.
Filming for the show took place across various iconic Scottish locations, such as Linlithgow Palace, the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness, and the Tolbooth Tavern on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
6. The Wicker Man (1973)
The original version of The Wicker Man, which was released in 1973, is considered one of the best cult horror films ever made.
While it was set in a pagan village on the fictional island of Summerisle, many of its scenes were filmed in real Scottish locations.
In particular, Kirkcudbright, a picturesque town within Dumfries and Galloway, and Plockton, which is often referred to as “The Jewel of the Highlands”, both feature often in the film.
To this day, many fans of the original film still continue to visit some of these iconic locations for some true immersion.
7. Downton Abbey
The beloved ITV drama, Downton Abbey, has been filmed in various locations across the UK. Yet, during the 2012 Christmas special, you might have spotted Inverary Castle in Argyll.
The majestic fort served as the fictional Duneagle Castle, where the Crawley family travels for the season.
Inverary Castle’s striking architecture and rich history offered a fitting backdrop for the episode, with many fans still visiting the site to this day.
8. Trainspotting
Perhaps one of the most influential films of the 1990s, Trainspotting certainly left its mark on both cinema and Scottish culture.
Directed by the seminal Danny Boyle, the film tells the story of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh. It’s understandable to think that the majority of the film was shot in Auld Reekie, but this isn’t exactly the case.
While the famous opening sequence, which sees the main character, Renton, running away from the police, was filmed on Edinburgh’s bustling Princes Street (not too far from the office), most of the film was actually shot in Glasgow.
For instance, when Renton meets Diane, the scene is filmed in the now-closed Volcano Club in Partick. Meanwhile, the infamous bar fight scene was shot at The Crosslands pub in Maryhill.
9. The Crown
The acclaimed historical drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, The Crown, showcases some of Scotland’s stunning landscapes throughout.
Much of the second season was filmed in Aberdeenshire, featuring the dramatic Slains Castle perched high on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, and Cruden Bay below.
Additionally, Ardverikie House, nestled in the Cairngorms, doubled as the Queen’s summer residence at Balmoral.
10. The Da Vinci Code
In The Da Vinci Code, the award-winning epic about a Harvard professor – played by Tom Hanks – who investigates a murder in the Louvre, a key scene unfolds at the historic Rosslyn Chapel outside of Edinburgh.
The 15th-century chapel is known for its mysterious aesthetic, which fits in perfectly with the movie’s themes of secret and conspiracy.
11. Highlander
Highlander quickly became a cult favourite after its release in 1986. The unique, and often bizarre, film tells the story of immortal warriors battling throughout history.
It begins in Scotland, showing shots of the striking Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye. It sets the stage for Christopher Lambert’s protagonist and his journey through time, all with the help of his mentor, Sean Connery.
12. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen primarily takes place in the arid landscapes of Yemen, where an ambitious sheikh dreams of building a salmon fishery in the heart of the desert.
Though, due to the sheikh’s love of salmon fishing in Scotland, the film also contains some beautiful scenes shot at Ardverikie Estate in the Cairngorms.
The rolling hills and tranquil waters of the estate offer the perfect contrast to the film’s mostly desert setting.
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