When you think of the beauty of Scotland, the historic Edinburgh Castle, the romantic sunset of Calton Hill and the quiet and vast Scottish Highlands will come to mind.
The beautiful natural scenery of the Scottish region and the historical castle streetscape with a mysterious atmosphere make Scotland and the city of Edinburgh not only a famous tourist destination but also used by many film productions as an excellent choice for filming.
Harry Potter
When you think of Edinburgh, you must think of the Harry Potter series of magical books, a household name. Edinburgh’s ancient streets and castle views give the whole city a mysterious magical aura that inspired the shaping of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the films. The Elephant House in Edinburgh is the cafe where Rowling first started writing Harry Potter, known as the ‘birthplace of Harry Potter‘.
Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands is one of the most essential locations in the Harry Potter film series. The Hogwarts Express steam train passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct in each Harry Potter film. To this day, the Glenfinnan Viaduct remains open to the public. Visitors can book a specially designed carriage on the Jacobite steam train and experience the excitement.
Cloud Atlas
Sixsmith, I climb the steps of Scott Monument every morning, and all became clear. Wish I could make you see this brightness.
It’s a monologue in the film Cloud Atlas. Cloud Atlas is an epic sci-fi mystery film from 2012. The film was shot in Germany, Scotland and Spain. One section of the film takes place in Scotland in 1946. The two main characters meet again inside the Scott Monument on Princes Street in Edinburgh.
The Scott Memorial Tower is located in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens. Many visitors came because it was the setting for the film Cloud Atlas. Of course, many come because of the Scottish poet Walter Scott, who is commemorated in the tower. Besides, many come for the city’s charm and the tower’s view over Edinburgh’s old and new cityscapes.
One Day
One Day is based on the novel of the same name by David Nicholls—the film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. The story begins with a meeting in the Old College of the University of Edinburgh, where the hero and heroine meet. The two have just graduated from the University of Edinburgh and are ready to embark on an unknown journey in life. By mistake, they have a friendship lasting more than ten years.
The film shows the audience the unique streets of Edinburgh. And the scene of the two running hand in hand through Warriston’s close was once called a classic. Moreover, the two also held hands and paced in King Arthur’s Seat overlooking the beauty of Edinburgh.
The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby
Bobby the Skye Terrier Hound comes from a true story in Edinburgh in the 1960s. Bobby’s owner died of tuberculosis in 1858. Amazingly, Bobby insisted on guarding his owner’s grave for 14 years after his passing. After Bobby died, he was buried in Greyfriars Cemetery.
In order to commemorate Bobby’s sincere feelings for his master, a statue of Bobby was cast in the streets of Edinburgh. Legend has it that stroking the nose of the statue will bring good luck. Later, this statue also became a famous attraction in Edinburgh.
In recent years, a businessman borrowed Bobby’s story and opened a pub called Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar opposite the statue. It has become a must-visit Scottish food restaurant for many tourists.
The Illusionist
The Illusionist is a well-produced, entirely hand-drawn animated film about a down-on-his-luck French illusionist who drifts to live in Edinburgh. In the 1950s, people’s entertainment lives were flooded with new TV programmes and rock culture. Losing his market, the illusionist wanders around performing and befriends a young girl in the area who loves magic. The illusionist endeavours to perform and raise the girl, but ultimately, she moves away with her lover.
The film depicts the beautiful scenery of Edinburgh through hand-drawn animation. The whole movie is a lovely visual feast. The film has many famous Edinburgh buildings, making the viewer feel like he is in the streets of Edinburgh, full of romantic and artistic atmosphere.
