Scotland’s film and TV industry is surging as major productions—including The Celebrity Traitors and blockbuster movies—draw visitors to iconic locations like Ardross Castle and Glasgow’s city centre, where streets double as Gotham City and New York. The sector’s rapid growth is expected to inject over £1 billion into the economy by 2030, fueling tourism and local businesses. Yet critics warn the boom has left Scottish actors and crews struggling to access roles, while overcrowded filming sites strain communities already popular with visitors. The rise of "screen tourism" brings economic benefits but raises questions about fairness and sustainability in Scotland’s thriving entertainment industry.
The Traitors and big film shoots help boost economy but some highlight lack of opportunities for local talentScotland’s striking Ardross Castle, the oldest star of The Celebrity Traitors, which kicks off on Thursday night, is just one of the stops on the Scottish tourist board’s “screen tourism” trail. From Outlander and The Odyssey filming in the Highlands and islands, to Glasgow city centre standing in for New York and Gotham City in the latest instalments of Indiana Jones and Batman respectively, film and TV is increasingly big business in Scotland.The country’s screen sector, growing year on year, is projected to be worth £1bn to the economy by 2030. But while some have celebrated the upsides of a booming production sector, others highlight a lack of opportunities for Scottish talent and the challenges of excessive tourism in areas featured on screen. Continue reading...
