New Star Wars film could be shot in Scotland

TOURISM leaders have predicted another massive movie spin-off for the country if the next Stars Wars film is partly shot in Scotland.

Skye-walker: Imperial walkers could be filmed on the Isle of Skye. Picture: Contributed

The UK Government confirmed last week that the entire production will be based in the UK.

The Highlands and the Isle of Skye had already been reportedly lined up as locations the film, the seventh instalment in the long-running series.

Scotland has a number of links with the sci-fi series, including actors Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid, Denis Lawson and Ray Park all having starring roles.

It has also been used as a location for recent Batman and Bond films, as well as the opening scenes of Ridley Scott’s Alien prequel Prometheus. Star Wars: Episode VII will be directed by hotly-rated film-maker JJ Abrams, who has revived the Star Trek series.

Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: “As one of the biggest movie franchises of all time, the prospect of the next instalment of the Star Wars saga being filmed in Scotland is a hugely exciting one.

“Our unique, stunning scenery is fast making this country a favourite location among film-makers, with The Dark Knight Rises, Skyfall and Prometheus among the blockbusters recently shot on these shores.

“Star Wars is hugely popular among cinema goers of all ages and, if Scotland were to feature in their favourite characters’ latest adventure, it would be fantastic for Scottish tourism. Film fans needn’t go far, far away for an out-of-this-world holiday experience.”

Arts agency Creative Scotland, which promotes the country as a potential movie location around the world, said it had not been approached directly abot the new Star Wars film.

However locations manager Brodie Pringle said: “That doesn’t necessarily mean they haven’t scouted areas of the country.

“As a nation we have terrific location scouts and managers who can help find suitable locations across Scotland for incoming big budget movies.

“It would be great to draw such a legendary franchise to our shores - we’re certainly not short of dramatic, stunning landscapes to impress them with.”