"Vital" TV and film industry brings £3m boost to Highland economy
Various national and international productions were filmed in the North of Scotland last year, including hit show 'The Traitors'
TV shows and other productions filmed in the Highlands brought in more than £3 million worth of direct spend to the region in 2022.
Recent figures show it was a record year for the sector, with the region featuring in a range of national and international productions.
This includes the hit programme 'The Traitors' with the UK and US versions filmed at Ardross Castle in Easter Ross.
A Highland based entrepreneur, who has helped film crews for nearly 30 years, has welcomed the findings and thinks indirect spend is worth even more to the region.
"Welcome news" - Cllr Ken Gowans
Productions throughout 2022/23 also include Chemistry of Death for Paramount Plus, Channel 4’s Miriam and Alan Lost in Scotland and Beyond, a Bentley Car Commercial for their Flying Spur Speed model and many others.
The Traitors was a Studio Lambert production for the BBC reality competition series which due to its popularity and success became one of the standout TV shows of 2022.
Film offices across Scotland were approached by the production company when they were first scouting locations, and it was the Highland Film Commission who were successful in recommending Ardross Castle to them.
Highland Council, who operate the Highland Film Commission, say this has been central to the growth of the screen industry in the region.
The group has promoted locations, services and supported productions throughout the process. It also reports on regional data to national film offices to help to shape future policy and changes within the screen industry.
Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair. Cllr Ken Gowans said: "At times of economic recovery this is very welcome news.
"The £3 million spend includes location fees, local crew hire, accommodation, catering, and extended services required by the productions and has been spread across the whole of the Highlands including Duncansby Head, Caithness, Wester Ross, and the Isle of Skye.
"With our outstanding scenery, pent up demand for visits to the culturally rich Highlands and crews supported by professional expertise, the Highlands offer a huge amount to film productions and commercial marketing, which we all welcome and look forward to further economic growth in this area throughout 2023/24."
Founding Director of Cobbs and owner of Loch Ness Marketing Willie Cameron is a director with community interest company Highland Tourism.
Also known as "Mr Loch Ness", Mr Cameron has worked as a film location manager across the region for 29 years and explained how Highland Tourism are to looking to specialise in this field further.
He said: "It’s absolutely vital.
“This is one of the areas we’re going into.
“Filming is very important, to liaise with film production companies, people involved with the film business, Scottish Screen, Creative Scotland and everybody who has access to production companies to bring them to the Highlands of Scotland for the benefit of all the communities.
"Not just the honey spots, but the whole area.
"The scenery, the locations and the corporation of the local people is absolutely vital and it’s part of the rural economy."