Scotland on Screen: Outlaw King

Biggest film made on Scottish turf “a love letter to Scotland”

Epic locations and sweeping vistas provide travel inspiration

Friday, 9 November sees the global Netflix release of Outlaw King, the story of Robert the Bruce and the biggest ever movie made in Scotland*. Film fans can then follow in the King’s footsteps, heading north to experience Scotland for themselves.

Hollywood star Chris Pine, who plays the rebellious King, has called Scotland “one of the most beautiful countries in the world”**, and it isn’t difficult to see why, as Scottish locations are showcased to their photogenic best: from stunning vistas of the Highlands to medieval castles and beautiful beaches.

The epic new movie has also been described as a “love letter to Scotland” by the film’s producer, Gillian Berrie***. The film was entirely shot in Scotland, according to the nation’s geographical boundaries of the time in which it was set. Locations include Craigmillar Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Seacliff beach, Glen Coe, Dunfermline Abbey, Glasgow University and the Isle of Skye.

Pine portrays Bruce seizing the Scottish crown during the oppressive occupation of medieval Scotland by Edward I and, following the death of William Wallace, rallying an army to fight back. The story culminates in the pivotal battle of Loudon Hill. The film also stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Cosmo, Florence Pugh, Tony Curran and Billy Howle and is directed by David MacKenzie.

With one in five visitors inspired to come to Scotland after seeing it on the big or small screen****, visitor numbers are expected to grow further with the release of Outlaw King.

Jenni Steele, Film and Creative Industries Manager at VisitScotland, said: “It’s an exciting time for screen tourism in Scotland. It is the country’s unique mix of stunning landscapes, rich heritage and fascinating stories which make it an irresistible draw for film makers.

“Robert the Bruce is a Scottish icon whose story enthrals visitors from across the globe and we’re excited to see so much of Scotland on screen in Outlaw King and streaming straight into the homes of millions of Netflix subscribers.

“The Outlaw King presents an excellent opportunity for the Scottish tourism industry to turn viewers into visitors, especially as Scotland offers film fans the unique chance to not only walk in the footsteps of its on-screen stars but also those of their real-life counterparts.”

Check out the following filming locations for the Outlaw King medieval Scotland experience:

Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh: Scotland’s Capital’s ‘other castle’ plays an important role in the film as Robert the Bruce’s castle and village.

Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian: In history, Linlithgow Palace was the base for Edward I during his campaigns of 1296 and 1301. It remained in English hands until it was captured by Bruce’s followers in 1313. On film, St Michael’s Chapel in the grounds of Linlithgow Palace stars as Bruce’s Castle Chapel and is where he is married to Elizabeth. Also look out for the famous fountain at Linlithgow in one scene.

Doune Castle, Stirlingshire: The castle was built as the home of Regent Albany, 'Scotland's uncrowned king'. In Outlaw King, the castle plays a pivotal role alongside the character of James Douglas where he toasts Robert the Bruce.

Glen Coe, Highlands: In Outlaw King it is seen in a sweeping shot with mountains and heather as Robert and his men make a hasty escape.

Blackness Castle, West Lothian: A fortress located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, it plays a particularly dark character in the new film as Elizabeth is captured.

Glasgow University: Used as a location where Edward I is practising his archery skills and talking to his son.

Talisker and Isle of Skye: Doubles as a location where Robert and his men take refuge.

Loch an Eilean, Rothiemurchus: Used in the scene where the McDougalls attack the boats.

Mugdock Country Park: The location was used for filming the climactic battle between the Scots and English at Loudon Hill.

Seacliff Beach, East Lothian: Located four miles east of North Berwick and overlooked by the historic Tantallon Castle, we’re not going to give away too many spoilers here, but it may have a memorable moment at the end of the film!

Other locations include Portencross, West Kilbride; Borthwick Castle near Edinburgh; and Tullibardine Chapel near Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross.

For more information on films made in Scotland, go to: www.visitscotland.com/film

Outlaw King will be released globally on Netflix on Friday, 9 November available via subscription from www.netflix.com .

ENDS

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* Outlaw King, the "largest feature film to be made in Scotland so far", BBC News, 15 August 2018: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-45186777

**Quote from Chris Pine at the Scottish premiere of Outlaw King at Vue Cinema, Edinburgh on Friday, 19 October 2018.

***Quote from Variety interview with Gillian Berrie at the Toronto International Film Festival, 7 September 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nnl__pZSLQ

****VisitScotland report: Film and TV – Visitor Survey extract 2015-16: https://www.visitscotland.org/research-insights/about-our-visitors/interests-activities/film-tv