Unlocking cinematic opportunities for Scottish land and property owners

Embracing the Screen Scotland strategy

Last year Screen Scotland, responsible for driving the development of all aspects of Scotland’s film and TV industry, launched its strategy to 2030. It is designed to create associated jobs and to support the industry goal of reaching £1bn GVA by 2030/31. This presents opportunities for landowners, including promoting land for TV and film productions and capitalising on increased screen tourism. Since its establishment, the value of film and high-end TV production activity has more than doubled between 2019 and 2021. To compete internationally, Scotland must continue attracting productions with financial incentives and competitive funding, such as the Production Growth Fund.

The Allure of Scotland in Film and TV

Numerous productions showcasing Scotland’s scenic beauty and historical intrigue have inspired visits from Europe and beyond. VisitScotland’s 2023 survey revealed that film, TV, and literature play crucial roles in inspiring visitors, with 37% of long-haul visitors citing these as an influence on their decision to visit Scotland. Properties near famous film sites can indeed become hot destinations. Researching your area's film connections might lead to some creative ways in which you can promote your tourism offering. Some of our clients have teamed up with other local businesses to create tourism packages that combine visits to film locations with local accommodation and activities. Others have capitalised on existing cultural celebrations and events such as Book Week Scotland, the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Glasgow Film Festival, using relevant hashtags on social media to boost visibility. 

Scotland's landscapes truly are the gift that keeps on giving. Just last year, Scotland served as the backdrop for upcoming productions such as Netflix's drama The Undertow, Prime Video’s new thriller series Fear, and Tornado, which is set to premiere at the 2025 Glasgow Film Festival. With Screen Scotland’s newly launched 5-year strategy to enable the screen sectors to flourish, even more opportunities are likely on the horizon.

For landowners, the prospects presented by screen tourism are growing. By leveraging local opportunities and collaborating with experts, landowners can capitalise on the demand for unique film locations. Whether it's a last-minute request from a production company or part of a long-term strategy, your property could be capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide and potentially featuring in future BAFTA award-winning productions.

Further information

Contact Adam Davies

For further information on how to maximise the chances of your property being chosen as a film location, click here.