Investment in Scotland's screen industry more than doubles

Glasgow and Edinburgh are feeling the benefits from the increase

The increase is partly due to the opening of new studios
Author: Molly TulettPublished 23rd Aug 2023

The amount being invested in programmes produced in Scotland like The Rig has more than doubled.

New figures released by Screen Scotland say Glasgow and Edinburgh in particular are feeling the benefits.

A total of six hundred and seventeen million pounds was injected into the film and TV production across the country here in 2021.

Screen Scotland’s Executive Director, Isabel Davis, said it was a “phenomenal result” adding: “It shows us that public investment via Screen Scotland in infrastructure, development, production and skills development, combined with attractive levels of production incentive are the catalyst for a successful industry. 

Shows like The Rig were some of those filmed in Scotland

“Now is the time to build on these newly created jobs and growth with a sustained funding commitment towards skills development, attraction of large-scale productions and a focus on the development of locally originated film and television.”

The growth is partly down to the opening or expansion of studios, which have made Scotland an even more attractive place to film and opened in time to catch the post pandemic boom in production.

Wellbeing Economy Secretary, Neil Gray said: “This report highlights another banner year for Scotland’s screen sector, which is all the more significant for the jobs, investment and economic growth it has delivered.

“The scale of the return to the Scottish economy from the investment in screen production is remarkable.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.