It’s film time. Today I want to bring you 9 films set in Scotland. I’ve written about 21 books to read while traveling, 11 books to read about London, and 15 books that will make you fall in love with England, but now I want to change things up and add movies to the mix. There’s a bonus at the end, too.
Films Set in Scotland
From city views to highland scenery, Scotland is visually pleasing. As much as I love reading books set in Scotland, seeing the stunning landscapes and pretty villages on screen is hard to beat.
I hope this list inspires you to fall in love with Scotland and explore more of this part of the UK. Here are my top picks for films set in Scotland.
1. Braveheart
I have to start with Braveheart. The movie tells the tale of William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against English King Edward I.
This classic is one of the most iconic films set in Scotland, so much so that there was even a statue of William Wallace in Stirling that was modeled after actor and director Mel Gibson. You can get the film here.
2. Trainspotting
Moving into modern times, Trainspotting is another of my favorite films about Scotland.
Set in Edinburgh and filmed in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow, this film about drug addiction was not only ground-breaking in its time, but also shows a different side of the city than most visitors see.
If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
3. Rob Roy
Rob Roy is one of the most legendary Walter Scott novels and one of the most memorable films set in Scotland.
It tells the tale of Rob Roy MacGregor, an 18th-century clan chief who is wronged by a highland nobleman and tries to get revenge while fleeing the Redcoats.
With lots of highland scenery, it’s sure to inspire you to fall for Scotland. You can get it here.
4. Whisky Galore!
Whisky Galore! is based on the true story of Scottish islanders on the island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides attempting to plunder 264,000 bottles of whisky from a stranded ship during wartime rationing in 1941.
Both the 1949 original and 2016 remake tell the humorous tale of a local community uniting against governmental authority. If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
5. Highlander
A 1980s classic, Highlander is another of the most famous films set in Scotland. It follows Connor Macleod, a 16th-century highlander. An Immortal, Connor eventually ends up in New York in the 1980s battling others of his kind.
Lochs, mountains, and moors feature prominently throughout the film, making it a great one to watch if you want to be inspired by Scotland’s beauty. If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
6. T2 Trainspotting
The sequel to Trainspotting, T2 Trainspotting picks up the original story 20 years later. Main character Mark Renton returns to Edinburgh and reunites with his old friends, only this time more of the scenes were shot in the city.
From nightclubs to abandoned tram depots, over 50 non-traditional locations can be seen throughout the film. If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
7. Skyfall
I could watch the James Bond movie Skyfall over and over. The scenes filmed in Scotland’s Glen Coe and Glen Etive are enough to make me want to drop everything and drive through the Scottish Highlands.
If you’re looking for travel inspiration, this is one of the best films set in Scotland. You can get it here.
8. One Day
The opposite of Trainspotting, One Day shows Edinburgh at its loveliest. The story of two young people who meet the day they graduate from The University of Edinburgh, it features iconic spots like Arthur’s Seat and the Royal Mile.
If you want to fall in love with Edinburgh, this Scottish film is just the ticket. If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
9. Local Hero
Local Hero is another of the most classic films set in Scotland. It’s the story of an American oil executive who travels to Scotland to buy out the people of Ferness so his company can build a new refinery there.
But once he arrives, he starts to have second thoughts about his mission. If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
*Bonus* Outlander
I know, I know. It’s not a film. But the Outlander TV series has so many scenes set in Scotland that I thought I would sneak it in at the end of my list.
From fairy-tale castles to highland landscapes and villages, this show is sure to inspire you to travel to Scotland. If you’re in the UK, get it here. If you’re in the US, get it here.
Films Set in Scotland
And the list doesn’t stop here. With new films set in Scotland coming out all the time, there’s more to come. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, you can take a look at my blog posts about films set in London, films set in England, movies set in Wales, travel films, and road trip movies.
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Hello from Melbourne Julie!!
One of the most charming films you will ever see was made in the late 1940s – “I Know Where I’m Going”. It was set in the western highlands. It featured Roger Livsey and a very young Edith Evans along with Pamela Brown and Finlay Currie. Not sure if it’s available but if you can obtain it, do yourself a favour.
Edith Evans is engaged to a much older man who is renting a castle on a nearby island. Due to a storm, she can’t travel to meet him so she has to stay in a home owned by Roger Livsey. You can guess how it ends but this film is a gem!
Cheers, Ian.
Thanks, Ian! I will try to track down a copy.
Hello – me again. Just wanted to correct an error in my previous post. It was Wendy Hiller not Edith Evans. Typical old fox – I got my dames all mixed up.
Hi Ian! My maiden name is Guild (which is fairly rare). Did you perhaps or your ancestors have Canadian roots?
I only haven’t seen Whisky galore! but I saw Angel’s Share, another great film set in Scotland:)
Nice! Sounds like a great one.
Hello from snowy Devon! You need to watch Local Hero. Brilliant comedy film about an American oil firm representative trying to buy a small Scottish town and falling in love with its beauty.
Love your blog by the way – have been following since 2010!
Thanks, Sarah! That sounds like a great film.
I came back today to recommend Local Hero, but I see that Sarah has beaten me to it. It has a great story, stunning scenery and brilliant music from Mark Knopfler.
Nice! That’s great.
Being a big film fan I loved your list, Julie! I’ve seen 5 or 6 of the ones listed with my personal favorite being Skyfall. Have a great day! 🙂
That’s a great one! Good choice.
I agree Angel’s Share is a great modern Scottish film. Also the original version of the 39 Steps with the iconic scene on the Forth Rail Bridge is a must see Scottish film. Outlander is also a big boost to tourism.
Thanks for sharing!
I have always adored the film “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie”. I have fervently followed Dame Maggie Smith’s career since seeing her in it. The film is set in Edinburgh in the 1930’s. I’m a Scottish expat who still misses Scotland after 60 years. Will be ‘hame’ in September. Can hardly wait!
That’s great! Thanks for sharing your recommendation, Ann.