Film spend in Highlands reaches more than £3.5m thanks to productions such as UK and US versions of The Traitors
Productions such as The Traitors pushed direct spending by the film industry in the Highlands to more than £3.5million in 2024 - its highest level.
Highland Council welcomed the news.
It operates Screen Highland which, it says, has been central to the growth of the screen industry in the region, promoting locations and services and supporting productions throughout the process.
With the year-on-year increase in filming in the region, Screen Highland is hoping to add to its location and crew databases - particularly the number of rural cottages and houses.
• Claudia Winkleman impressed by The Traitors’ creepy clown dancers
• Highlands or Hollywood: How important is the film industry for our region?
Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee, said the growth of the screen industry across Highland was very welcome news.
“The £3.5million spend includes location fees, local crew hire, accommodation, catering, and extended services required by the productions and has been spread across the whole of the Highlands,” he said.
“Productions that helped boost this figure included the return of both of the UK amd US version of The Traitors to Ardross Castle, several car commercials and a couple of high-end TV dramas.
“With our outstanding scenery, pent up demand for visits to the culturally rich Highlands and crews supported by professional expertise, the Highlands offer a huge amount to film productions and commercial marketing, which we all welcome and look forward to further economic growth in this area throughout 2025/26.”
Any parties interested in being added to the locations or crew database should contact Screen Highland directly.
In line with the council’s wish to ensure the screen industry is a positive asset to the region, Screen Highland has been working with productions to ensure they follow key sustainability guidelines whilst filming in the region.
It is working with productions to ensure they involve communities in their work and continue to support the industry in Highland.
For more information on the services Screen Highland offers visit www.screenhighland.com.
