Time travel romance helps deliver £5m boost

Spending on productions in Tayside and Fife has risen by 51%

The “Outlander” effect has delivered a £5 million boost to the economies of Tayside and Fife.

The time travel drama was one of a number of top productions to use Courier Country locations for filming.

A new report by regional screen offices TayScreen and FifeScreen said total production spend in Tayside and Fife rose by 51% to £2.8 million between 2015 and 2017, delivering an overall economic boost of £5m.

But the report also states that films and television series also have an even greater impact in bringing tourists to the east coast of Scotland.

Around 40% of visitors are now thought to have planned their trip after being inspired by what they have seen on screen.

Although Outlander is the biggest hit to be filmed in Tayside and Fife in recent years, films such as Tommy’s Honour, about golfing legends Old and Young Tom Morris, and the remake of Whisky Galore have also been shot here.

In addition, Tayside and Fife have been used as locations for TV shows such as Wahlburgers, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and in commercials for items such as cars.

Fashion magazine Vogue even used the Horn Milk Bar, between Dundee and Perth, as a location for a cover shoot.

Across Scotland, production spent in 2016 was around £52m, up 15% from the year before.

Jenni Steele, film and creative industries manager at VisitScotland, said: “Set-jetting, where people visit locations and other destinations associated with the movies, is a popular trend, with 40% of visitors to the UK inspired to come here after seeing a location on film or on television.

“After the recent release of Whisky Galore!, Tommy’s Honour hitting cinemas next month and the new series of Outlander coming out later this year, set-jetting in Fife and Tayside looks set to go from strength to strength.”

Set-jetting ... is a popular trend. JENNI STEELE

Picture: Sony. Outlander is just one hit to be filmed in Courier Country.