Blockbuster Netflix film on Robert the Bruce brings in £800,000 to the local coffers
Blockbuster Outlaw King generated £800,000 for Stirling and surrounding area during filming last year.
Parts of the action-packed period drama – starring Chris Pine as Robert the Bruce – were filmed at Mugdock Park and Doune Castle during 10 weeks last year.
The film has impressed audiences during screenings at the Toronto and Venice film festivals and is due to make its small screen debut on Netflix on Friday, November 9.
Directed by Scots film-maker David Mackenzie, the Outlaw King tells the tale of Bruce’s transformation from defeated nobleman, to reluctant King, to outlaw hero
A temporary late 13th century Scottish village was constructed for the filming at Mugdock.
Several other scenes, including the large battles, took place in the park while other Stirling area locations to feature in the film include Doune Castle and East Loch Lomond.
Film-makers Loudoun Productions Ltd were given the goahead to erect at the park temporary stables to shelter 50 horses during ‘battlefield’ film sequences. Loudoun also constructed timber huts, ditches and earth mounds and made their base in Stirling – parking around 30 caravans at Falleninch Field.
Stirling Council say its staff played a key role in ensuring the success of the project.
They are first point of contact for production companies such as Loudoun and help with the identification of potential locations.
Council staff also provide information on planning, facilities, crew, and accommodation in the Stirling area.
Finance and economy convenor Councillor Margaret Brisley said: “We believe Stirling is perfectly placed to exploit any future opportunities that may arise to showcase this wonderful part of Scotland.
“Our mission as a local authority is to continue to attract feature films, television, video and commercial productions to shoot on-location in Stirling, while also protecting the natural environment.
This has benefits for local services and hotels while transportation companies, restaurants and other local businesses can all benefit.
“Film-makers use all these facilities, and their spending power can provide jobs and make the difference between a good and bad year for some of our businesses.”
As part of its remit, the council’s economic development team has developed links with national agencies, including VisitScotland and Creative Scotland, and other local authority areas and film offices to support Scottish economic development initiatives related to the wider screen and creative industries.
Regional director at VisitScotland Neil Christison said: “One in five people visits a location having seen it on screen. We have seen a distinct increase in visitor numbers linked to screen tourism in recent years, thanks to the power of Scotland’s locations being featured.
“With the incredible scenic backdrops and historic locations in the Stirling area, which were used in Outlaw King, we hope that the movie will sustain this even further.”
Local Tory councillor Alistair Berrill, said: “Stirling has some of the best locations for film and TV productions in the world so it’s great to see another major film taking advantage of that.
“I’m sure the Outlaw King will be far more accurate historically than many other attempts to cover this period in our history, Braveheart springs to mind.”