Visitor expenditure on screen tourism activities in Scotland surged to £161.4 million in 2023, a figure nearly triple its 2019 equivalent of £64.9 million, sustaining thousands of jobs across the region. This accelerated growth, particularly post-pandemic, positions Scotland's film and TV locations as significant drivers for local economies. An intensified phase of economic impact, rather than steady expansion, is indicated by this growth.
While specific UK film and TV locations are often celebrated for their cultural resonance, their economic impact, particularly in Scotland, has grown into a multi-million-pound industry sustaining thousands of jobs. The draw of these famous filming locations in the UK extends beyond cultural appreciation, translating into quantifiable economic benefits.
Based on the rapid and measurable growth in Scotland, other UK regions with prominent screen locations are likely underestimating or under-leveraging their potential for significant economic uplift through targeted screen tourism initiatives. The success in Scotland provides a blueprint for capitalizing on the enduring appeal of these cinematic backdrops.
Iconic Locations: Where Stories Meet Scenery
Best for: Fans of British comedy and quaint English towns
Wells, Somerset, experienced a significant tourism boost following the release of the British comedy film 'Hot Fuzz'. The filming industry contributed £4 million to Somerset's economy, with research from Somerset Council indicating young people's interest in visiting the location according to the BBC.
Strengths: Quantifiable economic boost, broad appeal beyond film buffs, local council engagement. | Limitations: Specific film appeal, potential for saturation if not managed. | Price: Significant local economic contribution, accessible for visitors.
2. Glen Nevis
Best for: History enthusiasts and dramatic landscape seekers
Glen Nevis became a key destination for Scottish screen tourism in the 1990s, particularly after 'Braveheart' (1996) was filmed in its surroundings according to the BBC. Its rugged terrain offered a cinematic backdrop that continues to draw visitors decades later, demonstrating an enduring economic legacy.
Strengths: Enduring appeal from a classic film, showcases dramatic natural scenery, attracts history-focused tourism. | Limitations: Remote access, appeal tied to a single film. | Price: Drives sustained visitor expenditure in rural areas.
3. Glenfinnan Viaduct (Lochaber)
Best for: Fantasy fans and scenic railway enthusiasts
The Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber gained global recognition by attracting fans of the 'Harry Potter' franchise, especially after its prominent appearance in 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets' (2002) according to the BBC. This landmark has become a pilgrimage site for many, creating multi-generational draws.
Strengths: Strong connection to a globally popular franchise, highly recognizable visual, draws multi-generational visitors. | Limitations: Seasonal steam train operation, potential for overcrowding. | Price: Significant draw for international and domestic tourism.
4. Edinburgh
Best for: Urban explorers and diverse film genre followers
Edinburgh has served as a setting for multiple high-profile productions. Its streets were utilized for 'Trainspotting' (1996), and Cockburn Street was notably transformed for Marvel's 'Avengers: Infinity War' (2018) according to the BBC. This makes it a key urban hub for screen tourism.
Strengths: Central urban hub, diverse filmography, easily accessible. | Limitations: Specific film locations might require local knowledge, urban setting can dilute film-specific focus. | Price: Contributes to a broad urban tourism economy.
5. Corrour Station
Best for: Adventurous travelers and cult film devotees
The remote Corrour station achieved widespread recognition as a famous setting in Danny Boyle's 'Trainspotting' (1996) according to the BBC. Its isolated beauty became integral to the film's visual narrative, channeling revenue into an otherwise isolated rural community.
Strengths: Distinctive and memorable location, appeals to a dedicated fan base, draws visitors to remote areas. | Limitations: Extreme remoteness, limited facilities, appeal tied to a single film. | Price: Channels tourism revenue to an otherwise isolated rural community.
6. Glasgow
Best for: City explorers and contemporary film location enthusiasts
Glasgow provided urban locations for Danny Boyle's 'Trainspotting' (1996) according to the BBC. The city's architecture and streetscapes offer versatile backdrops for various productions, supporting a diverse urban economic ecosystem.
Strengths: Major urban center, versatile filming environment, contributes to broader city tourism. | Limitations: Specific film sites less prominent than other locations, less singular identity from one film. | Price: Supports a diverse urban economic ecosystem.
The Scottish Screen Tourism Boom: Quantifying Growth and Impact
| Metric | 2019 Data | 2023 Data | Change (2019-2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Expenditure | £64.9 million VisitScotland | £161.4 million VisitScotland | +148.7% |
| Direct Gross Value Added (GVA) | £35.9 million VisitScotland | Not specified (2023) | N/A |
| Full-time Jobs Sustained | Not specified (2019) | 2,260 jobs VisitScotland | N/A |
Understanding the Data Behind Screen Tourism
Assessing the true economic footprint of screen tourism requires robust data collection, focusing on specific metrics that quantify its impact. Visitor expenditure, for instance, measures the direct financial input from tourists visiting film and TV locations. This includes spending on accommodation, transport, food, and local services.
Gross Value Added (GVA) provides a measure of the contribution of the screen tourism sector to the overall economy, reflecting the value of goods and services produced. Furthermore, tracking the number of full-time jobs sustained by screen tourism, as VisitScotland does for Scotland, offers insight into the sector's employment generation. These metrics are crucial for policymakers and businesses to accurately assess and strategically leverage screen tourism's economic potential.
The Untapped Potential of Screen Tourism
The near-tripling of screen tourism expenditure in Scotland from £64.9 million in 2019 to £161.4 million in 2023 signals an urgent need for regional policy to move beyond cultural appreciation and actively manage this rapidly expanding economic sector, lest its growth outpace infrastructure and strategic planning. This growth makes screen tourism a critical economic pillar for Scotland, creating a new economic vulnerability without diversification.
With screen tourism sustaining 2,260 full-time jobs in Scotland in 2023 and older films like 'Braveheart' and 'Harry Potter' still drawing visitors, investing in film infrastructure and location preservation offers a uniquely sustainable and high-employment economic strategy for regions, far outlasting typical tourism trends. Scotland's burgeoning reliance on screen tourism, evidenced by the £161.4 million expenditure in 2023, creates a new economic vulnerability; without diversification or robust contingency planning, regional economies could face significant shocks if film trends shift or production moves elsewhere.
The demonstrable success in Scotland serves as a powerful case study for other UK regions to actively invest in and promote their screen-featured locations to unlock similar economic advantages and sustainable growth. By 2026, proactive regional development agencies could see significant economic gains by adopting Scotland's strategic approach to screen tourism.
What are the most famous filming locations in the UK?
Beyond the notable Scottish sites and Wells, Somerset, the UK features numerous other prominent filming locations. Highclere Castle in Hampshire, for instance, gained international fame as the setting for 'Downton Abbey', drawing fans eager to experience its aristocratic grandeur. London offers a plethora of sites, from the political gravitas of Westminster in 'James Bond' films to the historical streets of Borough Market, featured in 'Bridget Jones's Diary'.
Which UK TV shows have the best filming locations?
While many films showcase UK locations, television series also significantly contribute to screen tourism. The rural landscapes of Yorkshire, particularly around Malham and Grassington, have become synonymous with the Channel 5 series 'All Creatures Great and Small'. Similarly, the dramatic Cornish coastline and historical estates are central to the appeal of 'Poldark', attracting visitors to explore the show's rugged backdrops.
How have UK film locations impacted tourism?
UK film locations have profoundly impacted tourism by drawing visitors to regions they might not otherwise have considered. might not otherwise consider, fostering economic diversification in rural and urban areas. The sustained popularity of sites like the Glenfinnan Viaduct decades after 'Harry Potter' demonstrates the long-term, multi-generational appeal that converts cinematic interest into tangible visitor numbers and local spending. This longevity encourages investment in local amenities and infrastructure, creating a more robust tourism ecosystem.
