Throughout the UK there have been a great many locations which have been chosen for film or TV because of their perfect scene-setting landscapes. Very often we know these places very well but when you actually see them on-screen, they can appear very differently indeed.
In line with the campaign that our partners PCA Predict are running around how locations around the UK have been altered to look amazing on-screen, we want to take a look today and Scotland and the locations which have been selected for the silver screen, which look in stark contrast to the places that we know and love.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber
A beautiful viaduct set in the heart of Fort William in northern Scotland, was transformed into a magical and fantasy thoroughfare for the Hogwarts Express in the widely acclaimed Harry Potter. This viaduct was built in 1901 and trains still ride over it, and you can too during your time in Fort William.
Glen Etive near Glencoe
It doesn’t get more British on film than James Bond and throughout the years there have been a huge amount of locations around the isles which have been used for many of James’ daring missions. In Daniel Criag’s third instalment of the popular spy franchise, Skyfall, there is a scene towards the end of the movie when Bond and his boss M, are escaping a madman and reach the wild landscapes of Bond’s family home, Scotland. This route through Glencoe is spectacular for sure, but the additions which the directors and cameramen have made to the scenery is simply breathtaking.
Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis
Disney may only be animation but that doesn’t stop them from being inspired by some of the beautiful natural landscapes which the British Isles have to offer. In the recent film Brave, the standing stones which are often seen were inspired by the Calanais Stones on the Isle of Lewis, a fascinating network of neolithic stones whose origins are largely unknown.
Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin
Not far from Edinburgh you’ll find this spectacular chapel in Roslin which was the very same chapel which you will have seen in the widely acclaimed The Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks. Naturally the interior of the chapel has been embellished on-screen to add to the tense drama but the chapel itself is absolutely stunning, even prior to the exaggeration. Inside the chapel you can find engravings of angels playing bagpipes and people dancing with death, the clarity of these images have aged over time but on-screen they look absolutely magical.
Glen Nevis
The Glen Nevis mountains and the nearby landscape was heavily used during the filming of the iconic tale Braveheart. Once again, this is most certainly a beautiful corner of the world, but on-screen some artistic license was taken to make this place look even more wild, and even more rugged.
Do you know any filming locations near you? Let us know how they looked when you saw them on-screen we’d love to hear from you.