Filmed at HES sites

Monty Python & The Holy Grail (1975)

This classic comedy follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest to find the Holy Grail, encountering absurd and hilarious challenges along the way.

Filming location: Scenes were filmed at Doune Castle, which served as the iconic Castle Anthrax and other locations in the film.

Decoy Bride (2011)

The Decoy Bride is a romantic comedy about a famous actress who stages a fake wedding on a remote Scottish island to evade the paparazzi, only to encounter unexpected complications.

Filming location: The picturesque Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries and Galloway stars in this rom-com alongside David Tennant and Kelly Macdonald. 

Game of Thrones (2011)

The fantasy drama and cultural phenomenon which sees nine noble families wage war against each other to gain control over the mythical land of Westeros.

Filming location: Doune Castle can be seen in the pilot episode playing Winterfell, home to the Starks. 

One Day (2011)

Romantic drama that follows the lives of Emma and Dexter, who meet on July 15 1988, and reunite on the same day each year for the next two decades, witnessing the ups and downs of their evolving relationship.

Set in Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat is one of the many capital locations featured in the film.  

Brave (2012)

Disney’s animated fantasy Brave tells the story of Princess Merida, a skilled archer who defies tradition and inadvertently unleashes chaos in her kingdom. To undo the curse, she must discover the true meaning of bravery.

The Neolithic Calanais Standing Stones in the Isle of Lewis provided inspiration for the writers and artists of Disney’s animated feature film. 

Under the Skin (2013)

The surreal sci-film follows an alien who takes on the form of a woman and preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland while gradually developing a sense of humanity.

Scotland’s last great medieval castle at Tantallon provides the backdrop for scenes featuring Scarlett Johansson.  

Filth (2013)

Jon S. Baird’s adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s Filth is a dark comedy-drama centred around a corrupt and unhinged Edinburgh cop, Detective Sergeant Bruce Robertson (James McAvoy), as he descends into madness while investigating a murder case.

The drawbridge and esplanade at Edinburgh Castle are seen during the film’s opening monologue. 

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

A sequel to Danny Boyle's iconic Trainspotting, T2 revisits the lives of Mark Renton and his friends in Edinburgh as they face the challenges of middle age, addiction, and unresolved conflicts.

Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park feature as Renton and Spud go for a run and enjoy a view of the city.  

Outlaw King (2018)

David Mackenzie's historical drama tells the tale of Robert the Bruce (Chris Pine), who leads a daring rebellion against English rule in 14th-century Scotland, filled with battles and political intrigue.

A host of Historic Scotland sites were used as filming locations including castles at Blackness, Craigmillar and Doune, Dunfermline Abbey, Glasgow Cathedral and Linlithgow Palace. 

Eurovision (2020)

Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams star in this comedy film, which tells the story of two aspiring Icelandic musicians who get the chance to represent their country at the Eurovision Song Contest.

Holyrood Park doubled for an Icelandic village.  

Princess Switch 2 (2020)

Vanessa Hudgens reprises her role as both Duchess Margaret and Princess Stacy in Netflix's rom com, which sees the royal lookalikes switch lives once again, but this time, they're joined by Margaret's mischievous cousin, Fiona. Together, they navigate royal responsibilities and romance while thwarting Fiona's plot to steal the throne.

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Annika (2021)

BBC crime drama series which follows Annika Strandhed, a brilliant detective with the Marine Homicide Unit in Scotland. She's known for her sharp instincts and deep connection to the sea. The series explores her solving complex cases while dealing with her own personal challenges and the mysteries of the ocean.

Filming location

Call the Midwife (2021)

The heart-warming BBC series set in the 1950s which follows a group of nurses and midwives in London's East End, exploring the challenges of childbirth, post-war healthcare, and the power of community.

The 2019 Christmas special saw the series travel to St Clement's Church in Rodel, Harris, and Calanais Standing Stones in Lewis. 

Karen Pirie (2022)

Val McDermid's Karen Pirie, a young detective-sergeant, is in charge of reopening the cold case for the murder of a barmaid.

Filming location

The Lost King (2022)

Steve Coogan and Sally Hawkins star in the dramatization of the story of Philippa Langley, the woman who initiated the search to find King Richard III's remains under a car park in Leicester.

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Good Omens S2 (2023)

Darkly comedic fantasy series based on the novel by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It follows the unlikely partnership between an angel, Aziraphale, and a demon, Crowley, who have grown fond of life on Earth.

Filming location:

The Crown (2023)

Netflix's historical drama series that delves into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It explores the challenges and triumphs of the British monarchy, as well as the personal and political struggles faced by the Queen throughout her life.

Season 6 features the royals at St Andrews Castle. 

Shetland (2013 - present)

Crime drama series set in the Shetland Islands which follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez as he investigates complex cases against the backdrop of the stunning Scottish landscapes. 

The artillery fort, Fort Charlotte in Lerwick features.  

Outlander (2014-Present)

Based on the best-selling book series, Outlander follows Claire Randall, a married former nurse who is mysteriously transported back in time to 18th-century Scotland. There, she becomes embroiled in the Jacobite risings and falls in love with a dashing Highland warrior.

Doune Castle takes a starring role as Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie Clan, and other Historic Scotland sites have also featured in the program, including Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, Aberdour Castle, and Craigmillar Castle.