New Netflix film could boost Perthshire tourism

Perthshire filmmaker David MacKenzie is set to become the director of a new Netflix film.

Shooting is expected to start later this summer for the online streaming service’s new feature film, The Outlaw King, retelling the iconic story of the 14th Century Scottish King Robert the Bruce.

It has also been announced Californian actor Chris Pine will play King Robert I of Scotland. David MacKenzie and Chris Pine have already worked together on the Oscar-nominated Hell or HighWater.

VisitScotland hope this new film will boost tourism to the Perthshire area. Jennie Steele, VisitScotland’s film and creative industries manager, said:“Set-jetting, where people visit locations and other destinations associated with movies, is a growing trend - with 40 per cent of all people that come to the UK inspired to come here after seeing it on a film or television.

“Productions such as Braveheart, Rob Roy and more recently Outlander, have helped highlight Scottish history’s most colourful characters and have undoubtedly inspired viewers to discover Scotland in person.

“We look forward to learning more about this exciting project and hope once again to see Scotland shine on screen.”

The Outlaw King will be produced by Sigma Films, a Glasgow-based company David MacKenzie helped to set up, with funding from Creative Scotland.