'Special event' puts Leaderfoot viaduct back in the spotlight
Last updated 28th Apr 2024
It's almost three years since Hollywood A-lister Harrison Ford arrived in the Borders to shoot scenes for the new Indiana Jones movie.
Part of the auction mart site in Newtown St Boswells was turned into a giant car park for the cast and crew.
And roads around the Leaderfoot viaduct - which featured in the film - were sealed off.
But a crowd managed to gather on the opposite bank of the River Tweed to watch the action.
While the short scene was filmed in one evening, the area was closed to the public for a number of days.
Now the same roads are set to close for almost THREE WEEKS, from tomorrow (Monday, April 29th).
Scottish Borders Council has lodged a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order for what's being described as "a special event at Leaderfoot".
As well as the layby at the historic crossing point, the Drygrange Bridge and single track road up to Newstead will also be closed to all traffic - including walkers, cyclists, horse riders and cars.
And, between Wednesday, May 8th, and Saturday, May 11th, the B6360 road between Leaderfoot and Gattonside, on the opposite side of the River Tweed, will be closed for one kilometre.
Car parks at Currie Road and Netherdale in nearby Galashiels will also be closed to vehicles between Monday, May 6th, and Sunday, May 12th.
It comes as Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle - known for directing Trainspotting, Shallow Grave and The Beach - has been pictured just over the border in Northumberland ahead of filming getting underway on what's anticipated to be the follow up to cult movie 28 Days Later.
Borders cinema boss Andrew Poole was among the crowd when Harrison Ford visited.
Speaking at the time, he revealed he hopes showcasing the local landscape on the big-screen could lead to a rise in people visiting the area.
"It's just great for the Borders, it's great for Borders tourism, it's great for us as a cinema operator in Galashiels," he said.
"When news came out that Avengers: Endgame was filmed in St Abbs we saw a boost in admissions and we immediately went over to visit, so there's no reason why this area can't also benefit.
"And let's hope now with Indiana Jones, it's going to lead to even more major film productions being shot here in the Borders."
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