The Vibe Check
Scotland is lowkey becoming the main character of the global screen industry. From the Highlands doubling as epic fantasy backdrops to Glasgow morphing into NYC or Gotham for major blockbusters, the country’s film sector is thriving. It’s projected to hit a £1bn valuation by 2030, which sounds like a total W for the economy.
The Plot Thickens
But wait—it’s not all sunshine. While the money is flowing in, there’s a growing debate about who actually gets the jobs. Research from academic and filmmaker Peter Strachan found that only about 6% of production staff on the third series of The Traitors were actually Scottish. This has sparked a "Standing Up For Scotland’s Screen Talent" campaign.
Critics argue that just because a production is filmed in Scotland, it doesn't mean it’s actually hiring local industry pros. As Strachan pointed out regarding a recent Spider-Man shoot, "local hiring" might just mean bringing in a neighborhood carpenter for a few weeks rather than hiring an established Scottish film professional.
The Over-Tourism Struggle
It's also giving... crowded. Famous filming spots are struggling with "screen tourism," where fans flock to locations they saw on Netflix or in theaters. In Glenfinnan, home to only 150 people, things got so chaotic with illegal parking that police had to step in. Meanwhile, the Culloden battlefield saw a 43% spike in visitors, causing enough wear and tear that officials have had to grapple with site damage.
Why it matters
Scotland is balancing a massive economic glow-up with the reality of local job displacement and tourist overflow. While some locals love the glam, others are asking for a more sustainable model that actually puts Scottish talent in the credits instead of just using their backyard as a set.
