From misty highlands to medieval castles, Scotland has long captured the imagination of filmmakers across the globe. And with screen tourism on the rise, statistics show that 35% of European visitors now visit Scotland as a direct result of films or TV shows they have watched. Famous for its ancient landscapes that charm audiences with their wild and romantic beauty, whether you’re tracing the footsteps of James Bond or wandering through the glens that inspired Harry Potter, these ten stunning filming locations in Scotland showcase its most spectacular scenery and cinematic allure.
Famous for: Harry Potter series (the Hogwarts Express scenes)
Perhaps one of the most recognisable filming locations in Scotland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct sweeps gracefully across a lush Scottish valley, framed by Loch Shiel and the surrounding hills. Between May and September, you can watch the Jacobite steam train cross its 21 arches, or take a ride on the train yourself, and immerse yourself in the same magical journey that inspired the Hogwarts Express.
Famous for: Highlander (1986), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Standing at the meeting point of three lochs, Eilean Donan Castle is cinematic perfection. Its stone walls rise from the water against a backdrop of mist and mountains, offering a timeless vision of Scottish romance. It’s little wonder filmmakers return here again and again to capture its haunting beauty. You can contact the Castle's Keeper, David Winn, for filming requests and queries.
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Famous for: Skyfall (2012), Outlander (2014–), Braveheart (1995), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
Glencoe’s rugged peaks and deep valleys have made it a natural choice for epic storytelling. The glen’s brooding atmosphere adds drama to any frame, from Bond’s Aston Martin cruising through the mist to Highland warriors charging across the heather. A place of both tragedy and beauty, Glencoe is Scotland at its rawest. Check out Visit Scotland's PDF movie map for more iconic filming locations across the Highlands.
Famous for: Prometheus (2012), The BFG (2016), Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
The Isle of Skye feels like another world entirely. Towering rock pinnacles, cascading fairy pools, and sweeping moorlands make it a favourite for sci-fi and fantasy directors. Locations like the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr deliver landscapes that are almost otherworldly, the kind that make even the most grounded story feel mythical.
Famous for: Avengers: Endgame (2019)
This charming fishing village became home to Thor’s new kingdom in Avengers: Endgame, and it’s not hard to see why. With its colourful harbour, rugged cliffs, and North Sea backdrop, St Abbs radiates a windswept beauty that feels both quaint and grand. Fans still flock from around the world to visit the iconic “New Asgard”, and to soak up the serenity of Scotland’s southeast coast.
Famous for: The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
The UK’s largest national park is a filmmaker’s dream: ancient Caledonian forests, dramatic mountain plateaus, and glacial lochs that change mood with the light. The Cairngorms offer everything from sweeping cinematic vistas to intimate natural detail, a landscape that can shift from regal to foreboding in a single frame.
Famous for: Trainspotting (1996), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), One Day (2024, Netflix series)
Edinburgh’s Old Town, with its medieval closes and Gothic skyline, has starred in films that range from gritty realism to superhero spectacle. Climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city, where the contrast between ancient stone and volcanic landscape captures Scotland’s mix of the urban and the elemental. Arthur's seat sits in Holyrood Park, which is managed by Visit Historic Environment Scotland, you can check out their filming guidelines and find out how to apply.
Famous for: Outlander (2014–), Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975), Game of Thrones (2011, pilot episode)
When it comes to filming locations in Scotland, few castles can claim such a rich screen history. Doune Castle’s towering walls and intact great hall have made it a favourite for productions seeking authenticity and atmosphere. Whether it’s clan drama, comedy, or fantasy, Doune delivers medieval magic in spades.
Famous for: The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (1970), The Loch (2017)
Few filming locations in Scotland are more famous than Loch Ness. The vast expanse of the loch, often cloaked in mist, holds a cinematic mystery that goes far beyond its legendary monster. The ruins of Urquhart Castle on the loch’s edge add texture and scale to a place where legend and landscape merge seamlessly on screen.
Famous for: Call the Midwife (2012–), Macbeth (2015), Whisky Galore! (2016)
Remote and ethereal, the islands of Harris and Lewis are all about elemental beauty. White-sand beaches meet rugged hills and stormy skies, creating a natural canvas for stories of isolation, resilience, and wonder. It’s Scotland distilled: wild, poetic, and unforgettable.
From castle turrets to coastal cliffs, Scotland continues to provide some of the world’s most cinematic scenery. Whether you’re scouting for your next film location or planning a journey through movie magic, these iconic filming locations in Scotland prove that every corner of Scotland tells a story worth capturing.
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