Scotland Filming Locations: Skyfall, Braveheart, Highlander and Other Cult Films

James Bond, William Wallace, the Highlander, or the Avengers: Scotland has served as the backdrop for some of the most famous films in cinema. Visit the filming locations in Scotland, It's about exploring the Highlands, castles, and streets of Edinburgh while recognizing iconic scenes. Based in the UK since 2012, we organize these tailor-made trips. Here are the must-see locations, film by film, and our suggested itinerary.

In short: The most famous filming locations in Scotland are Glen Etive and Glencoe (Skyfall), Eilean Donan Castle (Highlander and James Bond), Doune Castle (Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Outlander), Glen Nevis (Braveheart), Edinburgh (Trainspotting and Avengers: Infinity War), and the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter). Allow 5 to 8 days to visit them all by car.

Skyfall and James Bond

In Skyfall, James Bond and M reach 007's family manor by crossing a wild valley in the Highlands. This road is the small road to Glen Etive, at the foot of the Buachaille Etive Mòr, near Glencoe. However, the Skyfall mansion doesn't exist: it was built as a set. Read our guide to Glencoe.

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In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

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A must-haveA more discreet location

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Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

Furthermore, the castle of’Eilean Donan appears in The world is not enough, where it serves as the Scottish headquarters of MI6.

Highlander and Eilean Donan Castle

Perched on its islet at the confluence of three lochs, Eilean Donan is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. It notably appears in Highlander, in 1986, alongside Christophe Lambert. It's also an ideal stop on the way to the Isle of Skye. Discover our selection of most beautiful castles in Scotland.

Monty Python and the Holy Grail! and Doune Castle

Near Stirling, Doune Castle hosted much of the filming of Monty Python and the Holy Grail!, in 1975. Today, the castle's audio guide is even narrated by Terry Jones, one of the Monty Python members. Furthermore, Doune Castle features as Castle Leoch in the Outlander series. Read our guide to Outlander filming locations.

Braveheart and Glen Nevis

For Braveheart, Mel Gibson filmed several scenes in the Highlands, notably in Glen Nevis, at the foot of Ben Nevis, near Fort William. However, the major battles were mostly filmed in Ireland. In Stirling, the National Wallace Monument pays tribute to the real William Wallace.

Edinburgh: Trainspotting and Avengers

• Trainspotting : the famous opening chase scene was filmed on Princes Street, in the heart of the city.
• Avengers: Infinity War : several scenes take place in the old town, around the Royal Mile, Cockburn Street and Waverley Station.
• Harry Potter Edinburgh inspired JK Rowling, who wrote part of the saga there.

To discover the city, read our guide What to do in Edinburgh and our guide Harry Potter in Scotland, with the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Our 6-day itinerary to filming locations in Scotland

• Day 1: Edinburgh, following in the footsteps of Trainspotting and the Avengers.
• Day 2: Doune Castle and Stirling.
• Day 3: Glencoe and Glen Etive, the route to Skyfall.
• Day 4: Glen Nevis and Fort William, then the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
• Day 5: Eilean Donan and the Isle of Skye.
• Day 6: return to Edinburgh or Inverness.

Finally, this circuit combines very well with our 10-day Scotland tour following in the footsteps of Outlander. Discover all our guides to trip to the filming locations. For official information, consult VisitScotland.

Frequently asked questions about filming locations in Scotland

Can we visit the Skyfall house?

No. The Skyfall mansion was a set built for the film. However, the Glen Etive road and the landscapes featured in the scene are real and accessible by car.

Which Scottish castle appears in the most films?

Eilean Donan and Doune Castle are among the most filmed. Eilean Donan appears in Highlander and James Bond, and Doune Castle in Monty Python, Outlander and Game of Thrones.

How much does a trip to the filming locations in Scotland cost?

Expect to pay from €1,200 per person for 6 days including accommodation, car and assistance, excluding flights. The price depends primarily on the season and the planned visits.

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