£4m could be used for film studio plan

Up to £4 million of Scottish Government cash could be used to help fund the development of a film and TV studio in Scotland, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop has revealed.

The owners of Wardpark Studios in Cumbernauld – where production of Sony’s hit show Outlander takes place – are expected to submit plans for a major expansion within days.

The proposals, which have already been the subject of detailed negotiations involving the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and arts body Creative Scotland, could see 30,000 sq ft of purpose-built studio space constructed at the site.

Ms Hyslop told Holyrood’s Economy Committee ministers could provide up to £4m to help with the project – including £1.5m in grant funding and up to £2.5m of loan cash.

It is understood a planning application from Wardpark Studios will be submitted to local authority leaders at North Lanarkshire Council later this week.

Concerns have been raised about the shortage of studio space in Scotland, including fears the country is missing out on valuable TV and film projects as a result.

Ms Hyslop said Wardpark Studios’ decision to seek planning consent was “an important milestone in our work to strengthen the Scottish screen sector”.

Former Labour leader Johann Lamont said: “It doesn’t seem like it’s huge amounts of money and it seems to have taken a long time to get to that point.”