Scotland on the Big Screen: 25+ Movies filmed in Scotland

Scotland looks great on the screen – Hollywood certainly thinks so! From Braveheart to Brave, many internationally acclaimed movies have been inspired by Scottish stories and legends – and even more were actually filmed in Scotland. For you next movie night, make some popcorn and pick one of these fantastic films set in and/or filmed in Scotland.

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Scotland has inspired filmmakers all over the world. There are numerous films based on Scottish legends and historic figures, many of which were shot – at least partially on location.

Lately favourable film production laws also entice international film crews to shoot in Scotland, wether the story is set there or not. This has caused an influx of big-budget productions and Hollywood blockbusters making use of Scotland’s outer-worldly landscapes.

Read on for a list of movies that were filmed in Scotland – some of which feature stories that are set in Scotland, while others use it merely as a backdrop for fantastical tales from wizards to superheroes.

Grab the popcorn and get comfy for a Scottish movie night!

Movies that are filmed and set in Scotland

James Bond: Skyfall (2012), dir. Sam Mendes

Daniel Craig returns as James Bond, as he flees to Scotland to escape the villain, Raoul Silva, and return to his Scottish roots. Many scenes were set at Skyfall Lodge which was actually purpose-built from plywood in Surrey (England).

But the breath-taking landscapes of Glen Coe are real. The iconic car chase was filmed along the 10-mile stretch of road downn Glen Etive, against the backdrop of dramatic snow-capped mountains.

Scotland also features in other Bond films: From Russia with Love (1963), The Spy who Loved Me (1977), The World is not Enough (1999), No Time to Die (2021)

Rent or buy Skyfall here

Trainspotting (1996) & T2 Trainspotting (2017), dir. Danny Boyle

Based on the book by Irvine Walsh, this famous drama follows a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh during the 1980s. Trainspotting was shot all over Edinburgh and film locations include Princes Street, Calton Road and Waverley station. One of the most iconic scenes sees Renton (Ewan MacGregor) and the gang go to Corrour train station in the middle of the Highlands.

The sequel T2 Trainspotting is set 20 years later. It features many of the same iconic locations in Edinburgh, including the top of Arthur Seat.

Rent or buy Trainspotting here
Rent or buy T2 Trainspotting here

Whisky Galore! (1949), dir. Alexander Mackendrick & Whisky Galore (2016), dir. Gillies MacKinnon

A renowned film in Scotland, Whisky Galore! tells the story of the residents of the Isle of Eriskay, who witness the stranding of a ship and set out to ‘rescue’ the whisky it carried in its cargo bay.

Filmed on the Scottish islands of Eriskay and Barra in the Outer Hebrides, the movie provides a glimpse into 20^th-century Scottish life.

Based on a true story, the film was an adaptation of Compton Mackenzie’s novel of the same title. Fans of the book/film will love a visit to the Am Politician pub on Eriskay where several original bottles from the shipwreck are on display.

The 21^st century remake of Whisky Galore was shot at Portsoy Harbour, Mill Beach, New Aberdour Beach, Pennan, St Monan’s Parish Church and Luss among others.

Rent or buy Whisky Galore! here
Rent or buy the remake of Whisky Galore here

Braveheart (1995), dir. Mel Gibson

When it comes to movies filmed in Scotland, the story of William Wallace needs no introduction. Braveheart is one of the most iconic films about Scottish history – if not always entirely accurate.

Although much of the movie was filmed in Ireland, there are also many Scottish film locations. The mountainous landscapes were filmed around Glen Coe and Loch Leven and the village of ‘Lanark’, where William Wallace grows up, was created at the foot of Ben Nevis in Glen Nevis. The interior of Mornay’s Castle is actually Edinburgh Council Chamber.

To learn more about the real William Wallace visit the Wallace Monument and Old Stirling Bridge in Stirling, and his grave at Roslin Glen Country Park.

Rent or buy Braveheart here

Local Hero (1983), dir. Bill Forsyth

An American oil company has plans for a new refinery and sends a representative (Peter Riegert) to Scotland to buy up an entire village, but things don’t go as expected.

Much of this comedy-drama was filmed in the fishing village of Pennan on the Aberdeenshire coast, including the famous red phone box. Most of the beach scenes were filmed at Morar and Arisaig on the west coast. Other shooting locations for Local Hero include Edinburgh, Fort William, Loch Eil and Mallaig.

This was one of the first movies filmed in Scotland I’ve ever seen.

Rent or buy Local Hero here

Gregory’s Girl (1980), dir. Bill Forsyth

Gregory’s Girl is a coming-of-age film about a teen boy called Gregory who becomes infatuated with his classmate, Dorothy and aims to win her affection.

The film was shot almost entirely on location in the North Lanarkshire town of Cumbernauld, with many scenes taking place at the now-demolished Abronhill High School.

However, if you visit the Antonine Shopping Centre, you can find the famous St Enoch clock, where Gregory waits for Dorothy to arrive. Another iconic scene, in which Gregory attempts to woo Susan with his dancing, was filmed in Cumbernauld House Park.

Bill Forsyth directed many other iconic films that were set and filmed in Glasgow, including That Sinking Feeling (1979) and Comfort and Joy (1884).

Rent or buy Gregory’s Girl here

Sunshine on Leith (2013), dir. Dexter Fletcher

Based on the stage show of the same name, the musical film follows two soldiers who return to Edinburgh to resume life after serving in Afghanistan. It features music by the Scottish band The Proclaimers.

Among the many Edinburgh film locations in Sunshine on Leith are the Royal Mile, Grassmarket, Princes Street Gardens, The Shore and Constitution Street in Leith.

Outlaw King (2018), dir. David Mackenzie

A true David vs. Goliath story of how the 14th century Scottish ‘Outlaw King’, Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine), used cunning and bravery to defeat the much larger and better equipped occupying English army.

Entirely shot in Scotland, locations include Dunfermline Abbey, the real resting place of the King of Scots, which doubles as Westminster. St Michael’s Chapel in the grounds of Linlithgow Palace stars as Bruce’s castle chapel where he marries Elizabeth. Claigan Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye portrays the Isle of Islay in the film.

You can find all Outlaw King film locations here.

If you’re curious about the real history of Robert the Bruce, visit his grave in Dunfermline Abbey, the legendary resting place of his heart at Melrose Abbey, Bruce’s Stone on Loch Trool and the visitor centre at Bannockburn.

Watch Outlaw King here on Netflix

Rob Roy (1995), dir. Michael Caton-Jones

In the highlands of Scotland in the 1700s, Rob Roy (Liam Neeson) tries to lead his small town to a better future, by borrowing money from the local nobility to buy cattle to herd to market. When the money is stolen, Rob is forced into a Robin Hood lifestyle to defend his family and honour.

Rob Roy was filmed entirely in Scotland but it proved a bit of a challenge! Filming took place in extremely remote parts of the Highlands so the cast and crew had to travel by helicopter. Film locations include Megginch Castle, Loch Morar, Achnacarry near Fort William, Loch Leven, Drummond Castle Gardens and Crichton Castle.

Since the film is based on a real person, there are many relevant locations to visit in Rob Roy’s footsteps including Rob Roy’s Cave near Loch Lomond, his grave at Balquidder Kirk and the Rob Roy statue in Stirling.

Rent or buy Rob Roy here

Highlander (1986), dir. Russell Mulcahy

After centuries of duelling to survive against others like him, an immortal Scottish swordsman (Christopher Lambert) faces his final opponent: a bloodthirsty barbarian who has chased him across time to 1985 New York City, where they fight for the Prize: the spiritual ability to know everything.

Highlander was filmed all over Scotland, with Glencoe featuring in the opening scene. Eilean Donan Castle near Dornie and Kyle of Lochalsh was transformed into the castle and village of Glenfinnan for the filming of this cult classic.

Buy Highlander here

Edie (2017), dir. Simon Hunter

83-year-old Edie believes that it is never too late to leave her life behind and embark on an adventure. She packs an old camping bag and heads off to climb the imposing Mount Suilven in Scotland.

Actor Sheila Hancock and the entire crew actually climbed Suilven, in the north west Highlands near Ullapool, for real during filming, camping out over several nights.

Rent or buy Edie here

Mary Queen of Scots (2018), dir. Josie Rourke

Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. However, Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I. Rivals in power and in love, and female rulers in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence.

Production took place in the Highlands, Cairngorms National Park and Blackness Castle – the courtyard of the castle featured as the entrance to Holyrood Palace. You can find all Mary Queen of Scots film locations here.

Mary Queen of Scots left her marks all over Scotland and there are many historic places to visit in her footsteps, including Linlithgow Palace, Palace of Holyrood House, Craigmillar Castle, Lochleven Castle, Crookston Castle and Queen’s Park in Glasgow.

Rent or buy Mary Queen of Scots here

Iona (2015), dir. Scott Graham

Trying to escape the consequences of a violent crime of self defence, Iona (Ruth Negga) and her son return to her home on the Isle of Iona. But their arrival stirs the peaceful community.

The film was shot on location on the Isle of Iona – not an easy feat as many of the scenic film locations cannot be reached by car. The film crew used quad bikes to move equipment around.

Rent Iona here on BFI Player

Read my review of Iona by Scott Graham

Brave (2012), dir. Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews

As an animation film, Brave was of course not filmed in Scotland. But the team drew inspiration from their visits to Scotland. You may recognise places such as the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire, Glen Affric and the Braemar Highland Games. Find out more here.

Rent or buy Brave here

Loch Ness (1996), dir. John Henderson

An American zoologist (Ted Danson) tries to prove the existence of the Loch Ness monster and finds the unexpected.

Loch Ness was mostly filmed in Diabaig, a remote coastal fishing village in Wester Ross in the Northwest Highlands. Other scenes were shot at Eilean Donan, a small tidal island in the western Highlands near the village of Dornie. The lake scenes did actually take place at the famous Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands.

Rent or buy Loch Ness here

Chasing Nessie too? Spend a few days in Loch Ness and Inverness!

Stone of Destiny (2008), dir. Charles Martin Smith

Stone of Destiny tells the fascinating and true story of Scottish nationalist Ian Hamilton (Charlie Cox) and three others Glasgow University students who, in 1951, attempt to bring the Stone of Scone from England back to Scotland.

The film was shot all over Scotland, Wales and England, including a rare ppportunity to film inside Westminster Abbey. Film locations in Scotland include Arbroath, Glasgow University, Glenfinnan Viaduct and Paisley Abbey.

Originally the Stone of Destiny would have been located at Scone Palace, where Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned until King Edward I of England took it to England in 1296. Today, the stone is on permanent “loan” and exhibited at Edinburgh Castle, only to be moved back to London for coronation ceremonies.

Rent or buy Stone of Destiny here

Macbeth (2015), dir. Justin Kurzel

The magical and mysterious Isle of Skye provided the ideal filming location for this dark Shakespeare classic.

Glen Brittle Forest is the setting where Macbeth (Michael Fassbender) slays Banquo, overlooking Cuillin Ridge. Sligachan Glen provides the backdrop for the deaths of Lady Macbeth and their children. The Quiraing is featured when Macbeth returns from battle and is appointed The Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan. Macbeth can also be seen riding past the towering Old Man of Storr.

Other locations that are connected with Macbeth’s story are Glamis Castle, Cawdor Castle, the Moray region, Scone Palace and Iona Abbey.

Rent or buy Macbeth here

A Castle for Christmas (2021), dir. Mary Lambert

What’s better than a film set in Scotland? Exactly – a Christmas movie set in Scotland

A bestselling American author (Brooke Shields) travels to Scotland to follow her ancestry and falls in love with a castle. But her plans to buy it are turned upside-down when the desperate owner (Cary Elwes) refuses to sell it to her.

The film is set in Dunbar, a coastal village not far from Edinburgh. However the film’s castle, Dun Dunbar, is fictional.

Dalmeny House stands in as the castle and stately home, which has been home to the Earls of Rosebery since 1662. The movie also features Tantallon Castle in East Lothian, Dakota Hotel near South Queensferry, Edinburgh Airport and Inveraray Castle in a geographically wildly inaccurate drive-by scene.

Watch A Castle for Christmas here on Netflix

Wild Rose (2018), dir. Tom Harper

After being released from prison, a young Scottish woman (Jessie Buckley) juggles her job and two children while pursuing her dream of becoming a country music star.

The film was shot on location in Glasgow and Nashville. The film features Glasgow’s iconic country music venue, the Grand OIe Opry, as well as the Old Fruitmarket, as part of the city’s music festival, Celtic Connections.

Rent or buy Wild Rose here

More films set in Scotland

• Filth (2013), dir. Jon S. Baird
• Young Adam (2003), dir. David Mackenzie
• Ratcatcher (1999), dir. Lynne Ramsay
• The Angel’s Share (2012), dir. Ken Loach
• Neds (2010), dir. Peter Mullan
• The Wicker Man (1973), dir. Robin Hardy
• Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), dir. Karan Johar

Movies filmed in Scotland (but not about it)

Harry Potter film series (2001 – 2011), dir. David Yates, Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón and Mike Newell

Scotland is featured across the entire Harry Potter franchise. With mysterious, misty landscapes, Highland glens and winding alleyways, it’s easy to see why Scottish settings were chosen. However, note, that the film’s many magical structures were added into the landscape with CGI.

At Clachaig Inn in Glencoe you’ll find the location of Hagrid’s home from the third movie and at Steall Falls in Glen Nevis you’ll see the cascading waterfall where Harry faced a Hungarian Horntail Dragon in The Goblet of Fire. The Hogwarts Express (aka Jacobite Steam Train) travels over the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct near Fort William.

Other iconic locations in the series include Loch Shiel, Loch Arkaig, Loch Etive, Loch Eilt and Rannoch Moor. Find out more here.

In addition, it is said that the Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling found inspiration for her books all over Scotland, including Victoria Street and Greyfriar’s Kirkyard in Edinburgh, or the cloisters of Glasgow University. The Elephant House in Edinburgh (currently closed) is where she wrote much of the first novel and The Balmoral Hotel is where she finished the final book.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), dir. Stanley Kubrick

The landscapes of Scotland are out of this world. Stanley Kubrick took this literally and chose Scotland as one of the film locations for his iconic masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The scenes set on the surface of Jupiter were filmed at Loch Airigh on the Isle of Harris.

Rent or buy 2001: A Space Odyssey here

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)& Avengers: End Game (2019), both dir. Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

In Avengers: Infinity War and its sequel Avengers: Endgame, the superheroes face the intergalactic warlord Thanos and must restore balance to the universe. While the films are set on far-flung planets of the universe, much of them were filmed in Scotland.

Scottish locations featured in Infinity Game include Edinburgh Castle, Cockburn Street, St Giles Cathedral and Waverley train station. Endgame was shot at the coastal village St Abbs.

Rent or buy Avengers: Infinity Wars here
Rent or buy Avengers: Endgame here

The Da Vinci Code (2006), dir. Ron Howard

Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code tells the story of symbologist Robert Langdon’s (Tom Hanks) unexpected search for the Holy Grail.

While much of the film is set in Paris, the story culminates in a Scottish chapel outside of Edinburg.

The Gothic architecture of Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian compliments the mysterious film perfectly. Did you know that there’s a gargoyle inside the chapel that is modelled after Director Ron Howard’s face?

Rent or buy The Da Vinci Code here

Monty Python & The Holy Grail (1975), dir. Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on a surreal, low-budget search for the Holy Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.

Scotland features extensively in Monty Python & The Holy Grail. Dominating a small island a short distance offshore, Castle Stalker was used as the iconic ‘Castle of Aaaarrrrgggghhhh’. Doune Castle was shot from various angles, portraying a different castle each time.

Rent or buy Monty Python & The Holy Grail here

Under the Skin (2013), dir. Jonathan Glazer

An alien entity inhabits the human form of a young woman (Scarlett Johansson) who searches for isolated male victims to seduce. However, human existence in all its complexity begins to change the alien visitor.

The film was shot on location in Glasgow and around Scotland. Much of it was actually shot using hidden cameras, and miraculously the general public was largely unaware of Scarlett Johansson’s presence.

Under the Skin film locations include Buchanan Galleries, Sauchiehall Street and Ibrox in Glasgow, Auchmithie Harbour and Tantallon Castle.

Rent or buy Under the Skin here

Prometheus (2012), dir. Ridley Scott

Following clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone.

The Isle of Skye turned out to be the perfect outer-worldly for this eerie, futuristic film. The island’s landmarks look truly like landscapes from another planet. Film locations include the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr.

Rent or buy Prometheus here

More films shot in Scotland:

• World War Z (2013), dir. Marc Forster
• Cloud Atlas (2012), dir. Lana & Lilly Wachowski with Tom Tykwer
• The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again (2020) & The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021), dir. Michael Rohl
• Batman: The Dark Knight Rises (2021), dir. Christopher Nolan
• Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), dir. Michael Bay

Which one are you going to watch next?