Sunshine On Leith: Proclaimers film by Dexter Fletcher to have Edinburgh premiere

Sunshine On Leith is to receive Edinburgh premiere

A film based on the music of The Proclaimers will have its UK premiere in Edinburgh today.

Sunshine On Leith has been transferred from stage to the screen and tells the story of two soldiers returning from Afghanistan to an uncertain future in Scotland.

Famous songs originally written and performed by Craig and Charlie Reid, such as "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)", "Letter From America" and "I'm On My Way", form key parts of the film which is set in and around Edinburgh.

The story was first performed on stage in Dundee in 2007 and toured theatres around the UK. The musical has now been turned into a film starring young Scottish actors George McKay and Kevin Guthrie as well as Peter Mullan and Jane Horrocks.

The film, which is directed by English actor Dexter Fletcher, had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month and received many positive reviews.

Tourism bosses hope the musical can attract more visitors to Scotland and the capital.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: "The wonderful sights of Edinburgh and Leith, not to mention the warmth of its residents, come under the spotlight in this feel-good movie and I'm sure that anyone watching Sunshine On Leith will be encouraged to enjoy a visit to Scotland's capital after seeing it on the silver screen."

Sunshine On Leith is released across the country on 4 October.

PA