Key facts
- Scotland's screen sector is projected to be worth £1 billion to the economy by 2030.
- Research found only 6% of production staff on 'The Traitors' series three were Scottish.
- The BBC stated 'The Traitors' is a Scottish production and local representation is increasing.
- Glenfinnan, a village of 150 people, has become overrun with film tourists.
- Culloden battlefield saw a 43% increase in visitor numbers in 2023.
- Film tourism is estimated to be worth millions to the Scottish economy.
Scotland's film and television industry is experiencing significant growth, with projections estimating its value to the economy at £1 billion by 2030. Productions like 'Outlander,' 'The Odyssey,' 'Indiana Jones,' and 'Batman' have utilized the country's diverse landscapes and urban centers. The BBC's 'The Traitors' alone has contributed an estimated £21.8 million to the Scottish economy since 2022 through employment and supply chain spending.
However, concerns are mounting regarding the limited opportunities for local Scottish talent within these productions. Research by filmmaker Peter Strachan revealed that only about 6% of production staff on 'The Traitors' series three were Scottish, despite Ofcom quotas requiring 8% of network hours and expenditure in Scotland. Strachan advocates for greater transparency in local hiring, distinguishing between employing established local screen professionals and simply hiring local individuals for non-specialized roles.
David Smith, interim Executive Director of Screen Scotland, acknowledged the sector's benefits but noted a decline in commissions for Scottish production companies from public service broadcasters, emphasizing the need for a sustainable mix of projects across genres and platforms.
The boom in screen tourism also presents challenges. Locations like Glenfinnan, famous for the Harry Potter films, and Culloden battlefield, featured in 'Outlander,' have seen a surge in visitors, leading to issues such as dangerous parking and anti-social behavior, and in Culloden's case, temporary closure due to deterioration from excessive visitor numbers. VisitScotland acknowledges these challenges and works with partners to educate visitors and encourage exploration beyond well-known filming sites.
Despite these issues, many residents, like Matthew from Glasgow, welcome the economic boost and excitement that film productions bring to the city, noting employment opportunities for extras and catering suppliers.