Accommodation providers, local shops and caterers are all benefitting from an increase in filming across Argyll and Bute, with an estimated local production spend of £1.3M over the last 12 months – up £720,000 compared to 2022.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Film Service continues to work with production companies, Screen Scotland, and the Scottish Location Network to attract inward investment to the area. Between January 2023 and January 2024, 31 productions were filmed in the area and the council received 90 film enquiries.
Productions include:
- Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle, filmed on Iona, Islay and Jura.
- Post Malone’s "Mourning" music video at Loch Lomond.
- The Hairy Bikers on the Isle of Bute.
- Channel 4’s GPs in the Wild, filmed in various locations across Argyll and Bute.
- A large-scale Bollywood feature film in the Arrochar area.
Councillor Liz McCabe, Policy Lead for Islands and Business Development: “Argyll and Bute’s diverse geography makes it the perfect location for the screen industry. It is therefore not surprising that we have experienced a rise in productions filmed here over the last 12 months.
“The length of time that production crews have spent in the area also significantly increased in 2023, providing a much-needed and welcome boost to the local economy.
Argyll and Bute’s growing population as a film location is not only helping to boost local businesses and services, it is also providing opportunities to market the area and boost visitor numbers through increased film tourism. I look forward to seeing this sector go from further strength to strength in 2024.”
The Film in Argyll team works closely with services across the council and Screen Scotland, to help identify locations and facilitate productions.
For more information on filming in Argyll and Bute visit https://www.filminargyll.co.uk/