Scotland embraces film bonus
Scottish hotels and restaurants are being encouraged to cash in this summer on the continuing wave of tourists attracted by Hollywood pictures such as Braveheart and Rob Roy.
The Scottish Tourist Board (STB) has linked up with Scottish Screen, the new agency formed to promote film-making in Scotland, to unite and co-ordinate the tourist and screen locations industries.
Opportunities come from the film-makers as well as the film-goers. Business can range from putting up crews filming Hollywood blockbusters, TV productions and commercials to reaping the harvest from movie-inspired leisure trips (claimed to have brought Scotland £7m-£10m of additional business in 1996).
A new STB guide points out that the filming of The Winter's Guest in Fife last November boosted off-season accommodation, while Parklands Hotel in Perth made £30,000putting up Rob Roy actors and producers.
The STB warns hoteliers to resist the temptation to raise rates for film crews, as costs can determine the location chosen. They must be prepared for the teams to eat and sleep at unusual times, and must be able to ensure the safety of expensive film-making equipment.
- Phone 0131-332 2433 for the STB guide, and local tourist boards for details of forthcoming opportunities.
