Set in Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire!
28 June 2017
There’s something about the scale of this place, between the mountains and sea, which has made it so lovingly used as the backdrop to some of the world’s largest films, and inspired some of the most famous story writers, ever!
Set in towns and villages…
Loved for their authentic Scottish backdrop our towns and villages are some of the most popular filming locations in Scotland.
That famous red phone box in Local Hero – it’s in Pennan, whilst sections of Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s Sunset Song were filmed in Royal Deeside at the Glen Tanar Estate!
More recently, Whisky Galore, which has taken the box office by storm, was filmed in part along our stunning coast – in both Pennan (there’s a pattern here) and Portsoy!
Set in castles…
Aberdeenshire’s 300 castles are famed as inspiring some of the greatest story writers in history, including Bram Stoker the creator of Dracula – inspired by the gothic Slains Castle, and Walt Disney himself – said to have visited Craigievar Castle and after creating his iconic pink Disney castle!
One of our most famous film set castles is Dunnottar – and it’s no wonder! This castle is truly spectacular as its remains are perched on the edge of a craggy cliff overlooking the choppy North Sea! Mel Gibson filmed scenes at Dunnottar Castle as part of his role for the 1990’s release of Hamlet. Not to mention James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe visiting the castle to film Victor Frankenstein a couple of years ago!
Dunnottar is a Disney favourite too – Disney-Pixar creators visited the castle countless times to gain inspiration for their film, Brave!
Arguably Aberdeenshire’s most famous castle is Balmoral. Now the country residence of the British Royal Family, Queen Victoria famously called this her ‘dear paradise in the Highlands’. The castle has been depicted in several films including Mrs Brown and The Queen. But in actual fact scenes were filmed at other castles – scenes for The Queen were actually filmed at nearby Castle Fraser!
Why not follow the route of all of these famous films and story writers during your next trip to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire? Use our ‘My ABDN’ itinerary planner to make sure you see all of our famous film locations!