The Perthshire Highlands are famous for many things, not least of which our truly remarkable views and iconic landmarks. Did you know, however, that we’re just as famous for our roles in some of the biggest blockbusters to hit cinema screens?
From classic comedies to modern adventures, several top locations close to your Pitlochry hotel have been chosen to star in well-known movies thanks to the very things that made the region famous in the first place:
Beautiful scenery, traditional Scottish hospitality, and an abundance of ancient history at every turn.
Whether you’re a fan of James Bond or the Outlander TV series, here’s our guide to the top famous film locations to explore the next time you come to stay with us at our luxury hotel in Perthshire.
The Famous Outlander Standing Stones
Speaking of Outlander, let’s start here, with one of the most popular TV shows to come from Scotland in many years.
The show was filmed all across the country, with iconic venues such as the Drummond Castle Gardens in Perthshire featuring prominently in the Golden Globe winning series.
Yet of all the locations, it was the village of Kinloch Rannoch that star Sam Heughan (who plays Jamie Fraser) claims was his favourite to film in.
Site of the memorable scene in which Caitriona Balfe’s Claire disappeared through the standing stones, Kinloch Rannoch itself is home to the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, your luxury hotel in the heart of the Highlands.
From here, the journey to the famous standing stones is only a couple of minutes, whilst all the other locations on our guide today are well within easy reach.
Rannoch Moor
From your Pitlochry hotel, take a short drive to the famous Rannoch Moor, which is one of the most widely used filming locations in the area.
The dramatic scenery and abundance of native flora and fauna have made this vast, sprawling Scottish wilderness a popular choice for film producers, with sections of the moor featuring in 1981’s Quest for Fire ( starring Everett McGill and Ron Perlman), 2010’s Centurion, and a host of hit movies.
Fans of John Cleese, Michael Palin and their comedy troupe will undoubtedly recognise Rannoch Moor from Monty Python & The Holy Grail, whilst the area’s biggest starring role was in 1996 hit Trainspotting, where Ewan McGregor takes his pals on a jaunt through the countryside.
The Hogwarts Express Bridge
Whilst you’re at Rannoch Moor, be sure to catch the train from Rannoch Moor Station up to Fort William.
Apart from being a wonderful journey in its own right, you’ll also travel over the same bridge that carried the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films, taking in truly spectacular views en route.
Glen Coe – For Bond Fans and More
Plan a day trip for this one: The fabulous Glen Coe is roughly two hours drive from our Pitlochry hotel, but for fans of James Bond, Rob Roy, and other famous films, it’s well worth the trip.
007’s classic Aston Martin famously soared through the glen’s dramatic scenery in the 2012 Skyfall, whilst the area also played an integral role in the 1995 blockbuster Rob Roy, starring Liam Neeson as the infamous clansman and Jessica Lange as his wife, Mary.
Elsewhere, Glen Coe can be seen in films as diverse as 2008 romance Made of Honour, 2011’s The Eagle, and yes, that classic comedy, Monty Python and The Holy Grail.
Salmon Fishing in The Yemen…in Scotland
Take an hour’s drive from your luxury Scottish hotel and you’ll find yourself at Ardverikie, a truly beautiful place which fans of the 2011 British hit film Salmon Fishing In The Yemen will undoubtedly recognise.
Based on Paul Torday’s 2007 novel, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen starred Ewan McGregor, Emily Blunt, and Kristin Scott, and saw the majority of the scenes set in Scotland shot here at Ardverikie.
Ardverikie House, the stunning 19th-century building in Kinloch Laggan, served as the home of Amr Waked’s Sheikh in the movie.
Explore the Scottish Highland’s most famous sights with luxury hotel accommodation befitting a top Hollywood Movie star, all from the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Pitlochry. Book your stay online today, or call our reservations line now on +44 (0)1882 580444