Scotland launches 'set-jetters' guide so tourists can visit its most famous TV locations

Fans can visit filming locations of Downtown Abbey, Harry Potter and... Eastenders

Ben Stack mountain, Scotland (istock)

The Scottish tourist board has launched a 36-page guide detailing more than 60 television locations around the country for visitors to explore.

VisitScotland has released the brochure – called TV Set in Scotland – to mark the 130th anniversary of the birth of John Logie Baird. The inventor and engineer, who was born in Helensburgh in 1888, is widely agreed to be responsible for the introduction of television to the world.

The guide, which aims to appeal to TV buffs, features popular TV destinations filmed in the Scottish region, including Downton Abbey (Argyll), The Crow Road (Tarbert, Loch Fyne) and Eastenders (Tarbert, Loch Fyne).

Animations, documentaries, dramas, sitcoms and soap operas that have been filmed in or inspired by Scotland over the past 80 years are all included in the guide, which is available free of charge at VisitScotland iCentres, attractions and for download at visitscotland.com.

A selection of film locations are also included in the guide, highlighting movies including Outlander, Harry Potter and Skyfall.

Scotland’s wild, open landscapes, ancient castles and sprawling beaches make it an ideal destination for filmmakers and creatives, prompting readers of USA Today to vote the country the Best Cinematic Destination in the world in 2015.

“The list of television shows and locations featured in TV Set in Scotland is not exhaustive, but this fun and informative guide, which contains firm fan favourites alongside little-known gems, serves as a starting point for visitors wishing to explore the many on-screen locations and nearby attractions," says Jenni Steele of VisitScotland.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, adds: “Scotland’s scenery and built heritage, together with our diverse and rich culture have attracted countless filmmakers over the years."

Figures show that spending on film and TV in Scotland in 2017 reached a record £95 million – and a £26 million increase on the previous year. Over the past decade, spend on filming has increased by more than 300 per cent.