Focus on Bo’ness as new film location guide gets on track
THE focus was firmly on the Scottish Railway Preservation Society’s Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway headquarters on November 4, when veteran Scots screen icon James Cosmo launched VisitScotland’s new film location guide.
Bo’ness station was chosen as it has had several parts itself, in films as diverse as The Railwayman, Outlander and Cloud Atlas – not just helping to put the railway firmly on the map, but also providing valuable revenue to help keep the trains running.
James, well-known for his roles in Braveheart, Game of Thrones, and, appropriately enough for the launch’s platform location, Trainspotting, told the assembled media that Scotland has unrivalled locations for film making.
“There’s always a magic about making a film in Scotland,” he said. “You just have to look at a location such as this superb heritage railway station to see what’s on offer to the film industry. “
“Screen tourism, known as setjetting, has become popular with tourists visiting locations such as this and the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, made even more famous thanks to the Harry Potter films.”
BKR business director Amanda Kilburn shared the limelight with James.
She said: “Being a location for many TV and film productions is a real privilege for us.
“We have a photogenic site close to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and we have the added attraction of being able to give sole use of our line and site over to production companies.
“Our fantastic collection of railway items, including steam locomotives, historic carriages and vintage railway infrastructure, has been recognised through the Scottish Government Recognition Scheme as being of national importance.”
Amanda added that being a filming location is “a real thrill” for the line’s volunteers, who have built up the railway since 1979, and that this attracts visitors who would not come to see the trains alone.
“Our station master has shown many visitors the exact spot where Claire and Frank bid farewell to one another in Outlander or has talked about our footbridge that features in The Railwayman,” she added.
Also attending the launch was Coun Paul Garner, Falkirk Council’s economic development portfolio holder, who said: “It is fitting that Bo’ness station was chosen as the venue for the launch of this new guide, not just because of the superb heritage railway we have here, but also because the town is also home to the Hippodrome, Scotland’s oldest, purpose-built cinema.”