Falkirk chases 007’s licence to thrill

Published on Sunday 7 July 2002 01:00

HE MIGHT like to try a pint of 80/-, neither shaken nor stirred. James Bond, having caused mayhem in many of the world’s most glamorous and sophisticated cities, could be on his way to Falkirk.

British Waterways are trying to persuade the makers of the 007 films to forget Paris, Hong Kong and Venice and set scenes against the backdrop of the 17.5m Falkirk Wheel.

They have even suggested the secret agent could scale down the side of the massive structure in Murrayburn, which lifts boats between different levels of the Union and Forth and Clyde canals.

British Waterways is courting the makers of the James Bond movies to set their next star-studded outing in Scotland.

The organisation has also launched a brochure to promote the wheel and other canal locations as prime spots for movie makers. Copies of ‘On the Waterfront’ will be sent to Hollywood film studio heads in a bid to drum up business. British Waterways has even taken space at the prestigious London Film Production Show to sell the unique potential of its locations.

Yesterday Linda Somerville, marketing manager at British Waterways Scotland, said: "We have approached Eon productions, but the Wheel was completed too late for the latest Bond film.

"However we are keen for them to use it in the next movie. It would be great to have James Bond scaling down the side of the Falkirk Wheel. It is very futuristic and eye-catching - just the sort of place James Bond should be seen in."

British Waterways owns 2,000 miles of canals, lochs and rivers in Britain, a tenth of them in Scotland.

From the harsh industrial scenery of Bowling basin, near Dumbarton, to the spectacular setting of Loch Ness, which forms part of the Caledonian Canal, the brochure highlights Scotland’s attractions.

Somerville said: "We have already been successful in attracting a number of film companies to the canals.

"It is not just about making money - we negotiate the best possible deal, but in promoting the areas that the canals flow through.

"Scotland offers scenery at least as good as the rest of the UK and Ireland, and in many places it is incomparable."

Ewan McGregor’s latest film, Young Adam, was set on the length of the Clyde and Forth canal, and the Union canal around Linlithgow. It also stars Tilda Swinton and Peter Mullan.

The US film American Cousins, featuring Vincent Pastore, formerly of The Sopranos, was shot in Port Dundas in January.