Filmed at our sites
Filming and photography at HES
From cinema blockbusters like Outlaw King to sensational series like One Day, discover some of the films and TV shows that have featured Historic Scotland sites.
Frankenstein (2025)
Glasgow Cathedral provided the dramatic setting for a confessional scene between Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth in Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining of Frankenstein.
Frankenstein (2025)
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Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein in "Frankenstein". © Netflix All Rights Reserved -
Mia Goth as Lady Elizabeth Harlander in Glasgow Cathedral. © Netflix All Rights Reserved
Outlander (2014-Present)
To celebrate the first episode of Outlander’s prequel “Blood Of My Blood” aired in August 2025. Take a look back at Historic Scotland sites involved in Outlander filming through the years.
Doune Castle takes a starring role as Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie Clan, whilst Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, Aberdour Castle, and Craigmillar Castle have also featured in the series. 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 Highlander warrior. As well as providing filming backgrounds for the TV series, Urquhart Castle features in the Outlander novels, with Claire and Frank Randall enjoying a day trip to the site, and Clava Cairns is thought to have been the inspiration for Craig na Dun.
Enjoyed "Blood Of My Blood"? Look out for more Historic Scotland site cameos!
Outlander (2014-Present)
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"Outlander" at Craigmillar Castle © Sony Pictures Television INC. All Rights Reserved -
Tobias Menzies and Caitriona Balfe filming "Outlander" at Doune Castle © Sony Pictures Television INC. All Rights Reserved -
Lotte Verbeek and Caitriona Balfe filming "Outlander" at Doune Castle © Sony Pictures Television INC. All Rights Reserved
Mary and George (2024)
Based on the extraordinary true story, Julianne Moore stars as Mary Villiers, who moulded her son, George, to seduce King James I and become his all-powerful lover. Scenes for the Sky Atlantic limited series were filmed at Doune Castle and Stirling Castle, the latter doubling for Edinburgh Castle.
Mary and George (2024)
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Tony Curran and Nicholas Galitzine in "Mary & George" © 2024 Sky -
Julianne Moore and Nicholas Galitzine in "Mary & George" © 2024 Sky -
"Mary & George" at Stirling Castle © 2024 Sky
One Day (2024)
Netflix’s hit series follows the evolving relationship between Emma and Dexter, capturing their connection on the same day each year over 20 years. Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park plays a pivotal role in their story, with scenes bookending the series.
One Day (2024)
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Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall in "One Day" © 2022 Netflix, Inc. -
"One Day" being filmed in Holyrood Park © 2022 Netflix, Inc.
The Outrun (2024)
Saoirse Ronan stars in the powerful adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir which follows Rona’s return to her childhood home, as she confronts her past and battles addiction. The rugged coastline of Orkney, with sites at Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae, provide a vivid backdrop.
The Outrun (2024)
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Saoirse Ronan in "The Outrun" © Studio Canal -
"The Outrun" © Studio Canal
Good Omens Season 2 (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.
The Crown (2023)
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:
Karen Pirie (2022)
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"Karen Pirie" at St Andrews Cathedral © ITV -
"Karen Pirie" at St Andrews Cathedral © ITV -
Lauren Lyle as Karen Pirie © ITV -
"Karen Pirie" at St Andrews Cathedral © ITV
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.
Filming location:
The Lost King (2022)
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Actors Steve Coogan and Sally Hawkins filming "The Lost King" at Edinburgh Castle © Pathe UK -
Steve Coogan and Sally Hawkins in "The Lost King" © Pathe UK -
Steve Coogan and Sally Hawkins in "The Lost King" © Pathe UK
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (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 Iceland.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
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Will Ferrell filming "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" in Holyrood Park © Netflix, Inc -
Rachel McAdams and Will Ferrell in "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" © Netflix, Inc
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.
Filming location:
Princess Switch 2 (2020)
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"Princess Switch 2" being filmed in Glasgow Cathedral © Netflix, Inc -
Vanessa Hudgens filming "Princess Switch 2" in Glasgow Cathedral © Netflix, Inc
Call the Midwife (2019)
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.
Call the Midwife (2019)
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"Call the Midwife" at St Clement’s Church © 2019 BBC -
Call the Midwife at Calanais Standing Stones © 2019 BBC
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
Follows the tumultuous rivalry between Mary Stuart and her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, as they vie for power.
Follow in the footsteps of the most famous and intriguing of Scottish monarchs, and discover Blackness Castle which features in the 2019 film.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
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Saoirse Ronan in "Mary Queen of Scots" © 2019 Focus Features LLC -
Josie Rourke and Saoirse Ronan filming "Mary Queen of Scots" © 2019 Focus Features LLC
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.
Outlaw King (2018)
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Chris Pine in "Outlaw King" © Netflix, Inc -
David Mackenzie, Director of "Outlaw King", at Glasgow Cathedral © Netflix, Inc -
David Mackenzie and crew, filming "Outlaw King" at Dunfermline Abbey © Netflix, Inc -
Chris Pine and Florence Pugh in "Outlaw King" © Netflix, Inc
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.
T2 Trainspotting (2017)
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Ewan McGregor and Ewan Bremner in "T2 Trainspotting" © Tristar Productions -
Ewan McGregor in Holyrood Park © Tristar Productions
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. Season seven was filmed at Newark Castle.
Shetland (2013 - present)
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Douglas Henshall and Allison O'Donnell in "Shetland" © BBC -
Crew preparing to film Shetland at Newark Castle
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 in Holyrood Park is one of the many capital locations featured in the film.
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.
Scenes were filmed at Doune Castle, which served as the iconic Castle Anthrax and other locations in the film.
Historic Scotland on screen map
Full credit List: Feature films
- A Castle for Christmas
- A Scottish Love Scheme
- Batgirl
- Brave
- Burke and Hare
- Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga
- Filth
- Man and Witch
- Mary Queen of Scots
- Monty Python and the Holy Grail
- One Day
- Outlaw King
- Princess Switch: Switched Again
- T2 Trainspotting
- The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby
- The Decoy Bride
- The Lost King
- The Outrun
- Under the Skin
Find a filming location
Visit stars of the screen
Enjoy a day out at a Historic Scotland site and walk in the footsteps of your favourite actors and characters.
Places to visit