Aberdeen city centre has been transformed into a film set as production gets under way on a major new Paramount+ drama starring Kenneth Branagh.
Crews working on Laird have moved into locations around George Street and Loch Street, with production vehicles, equipment and temporary restrictions appearing around the rear of the Bon Accord shopping centre.
Filming activity on Wednesday (16 September) centred on George Street, where crews were seen taking equipment into the Nickel and Dime store and the Home-Start charity shop. Both premises were closed to customers while they were used by the production.
The production is also moving into Denburn multi-storey car park on Spa Street, which Aberdeen City Council has confirmed will close on Thursday 17, Friday 18 and Monday 21 September.
The car park will reopen as normal over the weekend before reopening fully at 8am on Tuesday 22 September. Motorists are being directed towards alternative parking at West North Street and Frederick Street.
Laird is one of Paramount+’s biggest new UK dramas and will see Oscar-winning actor and director Sir Kenneth Branagh play the Laird of the fictional Castle Drummoch.
Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, the family saga follows the landowner as he attempts to protect his ancestral estate from an American billionaire determined to buy up the surrounding glens.
The story will also feature family feuds, buried secrets and romances as the future of the estate is placed under threat. Branagh will serve as an executive producer as well as taking the leading role.
The series has been created by Jez Butterworth, whose recent television work includes MobLand and The Agency, alongside John-Henry Butterworth and Georgia Lee.
Joe Wright, the filmmaker behind Pride & Prejudice, Atonement and Darkest Hour, is attached to direct the pilot. The drama is being produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.
Aberdeen is one of several Scottish locations being used for the production. Filming has also been taking place at Aldourie Castle at Dores on the banks of Loch Ness, while other parts of the series are being shot in London.
Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+, described the drama as the story of “one man standing his ground against unchecked wealth and power”.
Paramount+ has not yet announced a premiere date for Laird, which will be released globally on the streaming service.