Leader: Little quantum of solace as Bond jilts Scotland

SO DANIEL Craig, aka agent 007, aka James Bond, will not be sipping his dry martini, shaken not stirred, in Dutrune Castle and environs after all. Just two weeks ago it was reported that Bond and a large Holywood production crew would be descending on the castle near Lochgilphead to film part of Skyfall, the 23rd Bond movie.

Skyfall? It was more like Downfall when the film location manager called in to say there has had been a change of plan. The production team has now cancelled hotel bookings and the castle’s owner has been told not to expect secret agents any time soon.

Given these extremely difficult times for tourism, hoteliers were delighted when the news first broke that some of the film was to be shot locally, bringing the prospect not just of good business but a sprinkling of glamour and excitement. Tales would be told for years of astonishing stunts, James Bond himself relaxing in the lounge bar with a glamorous entourage – and hordes of camera crew and extras filling the hotels and bars for weeks.

Alas, no more. A case of Live and Let Down? Never Say Never Again? Or my word is not my Bond any more?

But at least Lochgilphead will be spared visitations from baddies such as Mr Big, Rosa Klebb and the unforgettable Jaws.