Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 17 on 29/11/2004.

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Scotland is the star of the screen

On the face of it Scotland would seem to provide the perfect backdrop for many Hollywood films. But as David Gordon discovers, it’s not that straight forward

For many people, the only sight or image they have of Scotland is that which is portrayed on the big screen. Normally, it has been a land of heather-clad glens and misty mountains.

Sadly, the stars of a number of the biggest films based in the country never actually made it onto Scottish soil. In many early films, Scotland was recreated on huge soundstages in Southern England or the United States, and film-goers didn’t realise that the Scotland on screen wasn’t the real thing.

Of course, many producers did bring their stars to Scottish shores and also, as much as Scotland has been imitated in other places, Scotland has represented other landscapes as well.

Whilst there has been a thriving Scottish film and television industry for many years, it was not until the success of Mel Gibson’s epic Braveheart in 1995 that the Government set up ‘Scottish Screen’ to ensure the future and development of the industry. Braveheart set up base in the Glen Nevis, Glen Coe and Kinlochleven areas of the Highlands.

One of the early films was the musical Brigadoon. Made in 1954 it is one of the most famous films about Scotland. Sadly, it is also one of the infamous films whose crew never set foot in the country.

Whilst Arthur Freed, the producer, did visit many towns and villages he could not find anywhere quite ‘Scottish’ enough and proceeded to build the entire set in California. However, the film did promote Scotland and fill viewer’s minds with romantic and wistful thoughts of the coun.....

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By David Gordon

Section : Scotland on film

Page number : 26