Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities have long made it a magnet for filmmakers worldwide. From the windswept Highlands to the bustling streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh, the country has played host to iconic productions spanning genres and generations. Whether it’s the atmospheric Glens featured in Skyfall or the gritty urban scenes of Trainspotting, Scotland’s cinematic presence is distinctive and far-reaching.
But the story of film in Scotland isn’t just about what’s captured on screen. It’s also a story of home-grown talent, innovative studios, and a passionate cinema-going public. With a proud legacy of actors, directors, and storytellers, as well as beloved independent cinemas and international film festivals, Scotland continues to play a dynamic role in the global film industry while nurturing its unique voice.
Scottish Film Information
- ReelScotland – reviews, previews, features, events and interviews
- Regional Screen Scotland – The development agency for cinemagoing opportunities in smaller, less well-provided communities throughout Scotland.
- Scotland the Movie Location Guide
- The Bagpipes go to the Movies
Film Festivals in Scotland
- Cromarty Film Festival
- Edinburgh International Film Festival – Established in 1947, one of the world’s first international film festivals
- Glasgow Film Festival
- Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival
- Dundee Mountain Film Festival
- Fort William Mountain Festival
Cinemas in Scotland
- Screen Machine Mobile Digital Cinema – Scotland’s Travelling Cinema
- Aberfeldy – Birks Cinema – A 100 seat digital 3D cinema in the rural heart of Perthshire, ideal for local residents and visitors to this beautiful part of Scotland.
- Bo’Ness – The Hippodrome
- Coatbridge – Showcase
- Dunoon – Studio Cinema
- The Moray Playhouse Cinema – Elgin
- Falkirk – Cineworld
- Livingston – Vue
- Edinburgh – Cameo
- Edinburgh – Dominion
- Edinburgh – Filmhouse
- Glasgow Film Theatre
- Greenock – The Waterfront Cinema
- Paisley – Showcase Cinema De Lu
- Stirling – MacRobert
- The Merlin Cinema – Thurso
- Odeon Cinemas – Edinburgh, Dunfermline, Dundee, East Kilbride, Glasgow, Dumfries and Ayr
Scottish Cinema History
- Scottish Cinemas and Theatres Project
- The Glen Cinema Disaster – from Paisley Online
Film Commissions
- Film Edinburgh – the City of Edinburgh Council’s film office, providing film office services not only for Edinburgh but also East Lothian and Scottish Borders.
- Screen Highland – offering free and confidential advice to visiting productions.
- TayScreen – the Screen Office for the Councils of Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross and help with film locations, crew, research and services.
Film Societies and Clubs in Scotland
- Edinburgh University Film Society
- Edinburgh Film Guild
- Heartland Film Society – Aberfeldy
- Skye Film Club
- Ayrshire Film Society
- Edinburgh Cine and Video Society