Screen Scotland is the dedicated agency tasked with developing and supporting the film and television sector across Scotland and is committed to maximising the economic, cultural and educational value of the sector both nationally and locally.
Within the wider agency sits the Screen Commission: one of the longest established screen commissions in the UK. Since its foundation in the early 1990s, the Screen Commission has promoted Scotland and its world-class locations, crew and facilities to the global industry, successfully attracting inward investment projects from all over the world. It has also been dedicated to supporting the local industry.
With its mix of iconic landscapes, skilled and experienced workforce and competitive incentives, Scotland is an attractive destination for both large-scale projects and independent films. The summer months have long days of 18+ hours of daylight in the north, and the climate provides the look of 4 distinct seasons throughout the year. Scotland is home to the UKs highest mountain ranges, 700+ islands, and most celebrated road networks too.
Competitive incentives also help drive productions to Scotland. Successful applicants to the Screen Scotland inward investment fund, the Production Growth Fund, can receive up to £500,000 in the form of a non-recoupable grant, while the recently introduced Project Post Fund offers up to £100,000 towards post-production costs for projects completed wholly or partially in Scotland. When used in conjunction with the generous UK Tax Credit, these incentives make Scotland a compelling destination for film and tv production.
The experienced Screen Commission team offers a fast, free and confidential service, providing tailored location presentations for each project. From the earliest stages of development through to post-production, the team can help smooth the path and ensure a trouble-free production experience. Through close connections with partners in local film offices and government agencies, the Screen Commission can provide up-to-date information on land and property ownership and give guidance through the process of securing the best locations. Bespoke support for location scouting in the form of a “recce fund” is also available. This offers financial assistance to cover a few days of scouting with local freelance location scouts to help projects find their ideal shooting locations and work out any logistical issues of filming at Scotland’s unique spots. This fund can also be used to convert budgets from other territories.
Genres as diverse as science fiction, contemporary thrillers, historical and modern dramas, have all found a home in Scotland. From 2001: A Space Odyssey using the Isle of Harris to represent the surface of the planet Jupiter, to forthcoming productions like Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and JJ Abram’s Ghostwriter – many productions have found the locations they needed in Scotland.
In recent years, Glasgow has frequently stood in as the US in projects such as The Running Man, Spiderman: Brand New Day and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, to name but a few. And along with the city of Aberdeen, Glasgow has also played Moscow, most recently in the feature Tetris. While in Edinburgh, projects such as The Buccaneers, Belgravia and Mr Jones have successfully portrayed period London. Outside of the cities, our iconic landscapes are in constant demand from projects as diverse as Outlander, Star Wars: Ahsoka and Star Wars: Andor.
Away from location filming, the Screen Commission liaises with the local studios and buildspaces to provide information on production bases and office accommodation and in conjunction with the local crew and facilities directory, Film Bang, can also help source key production crew and talent.
Whatever the question, Screen Scotland’s friendly and knowledgeable Screen Commission team will do its best to provide the answers.
Screen Scotland will be present at Shooting Locations Marketplace in Valladolid on 15–16 October 2025, connecting with international producers and showcasing Scotland’s world-class talent, facilities and locations.