8 beautiful Scottish locations featured in famous movies
From stunning Highland landscapes to historic castles and atmospheric chapels, discover eight stunning Scottish locations that have provided the backdrop for these famous films.
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, historic castles and atmospheric landmarks have made it a favourite filming destination for generations of filmmakers.
Over the years, audiences have seen Scotland transformed into everything from medieval kingdoms and magical wizarding worlds to secret hideaways and mysterious locations.
Here are eight beautiful Scottish locations featured in famous movies.
Glen Coe
In Skyfall, James Bond (Daniel Craig) and M (Judi Dench) flee Silva through the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Their journey takes them along the A82, with the imposing peaks of Buachaille Etive Mòr and Buachaille Etive Beag rising above Glen Coe. Seeking refuge, Bond returns to his childhood home, Skyfall Lodge, set in the neighboring Glen Etive. The location carries an intriguing connection to Bond creator Ian Fleming, whose family once owned a lodge in Glen Etive, adding a touch of real-world history to the film.
United Artists/Columbia PicturesFindlater Castle, Sunnyside Beach, Culbin Beach and Sands and Culbin Forest
Findlater Castle, Sunnyside Beach, Culbin Beach and Sands and Culbin Forest were among the locations used to create the mythical world of Homer’s ancient epic in The Odyssey. Scotland’s contribution came from the Moray Firth coast, where remote beaches, rugged cliffs and dense forest were transformed into parts of the ancient world. The summer blockbuster stars Matt Damon as Odysseus alongside Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Charlize Theron and Lupita Nyong’o.
Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal PicturesRosslyn Chapel
The Da Vinci Code in Scotland Based on Dan Brown’s bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code follows symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) as he becomes drawn into a mysterious quest for the Holy Grail. Although much of the film is set in Paris, the story ultimately leads to Scotland, where the mystery reaches its climax at a historic chapel just outside Edinburgh. With its intricate Gothic architecture, centuries-old stonework and air of mystery, Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian provides a fitting backdrop for the film’s dramatic conclusion.
Rosslyn ChapelThe Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber was already a notable Scottish landmark long before it appeared on the big screen. But its role in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002 transformed it into a must-visit destination for fans, who flocked to the West Highland Line for the chance to see the Hogwarts Express steam train crossing the famous viaduct. The film introduced the spectacular landscape to a new, much younger generation of visitors, helping establish Scotland as a major destination for screen tourism.
Visit ScotlandCockburn Street
Marvel’s blockbuster superhero franchise arrived in Edinburgh in 2018 with Avengers: Infinity War. Runaway heroes Vision and Wanda, played by Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen, seek refuge in the Scottish capital, bringing the action to the city’s historic streets. For the production, Edinburgh’s Cockburn Street was transformed into a cinematic backdrop, complete with a fictional takeaway advertising “deep-fried kebabs” — a playful nod to Scotland’s deep-fried Mars bar.
IMDbGlasgow Necropolis
The Necropolis is a Victorian cemetery that doubled as Gotham City in the superhero blockbuster The Batman (2021). It is featured when Batman is speeding through Gotham’s cemetery on his motorbike. The area also appears in the final scenes featuring Catwoman.
Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC ComicsDoune Castle
The Monty Python team arrived at Doune Castle near Stirling to film their 1975 comedy classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Working with a famously modest budget, the filmmakers cleverly used different angles of the 14th-century castle to create the illusion of several distinct locations.
© 1975. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle has appeared on screen numerous times, but one of its most memorable roles came in the 1986 cult classic Highlander. Starring Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert, the fantasy film follows an immortal warrior battling through the ages. Set on a tidal island near Kyle of Lochalsh, Eilean Donan is one of Scotland’s most recognisable and photogenic castles.
20th Century Fox)