Filming in Aberdeen: permits and fees
Aberdeen City Council manages filming across Scotland's third city, covering granite streets, Union Street, and Marischal College.
Who issues permits
Aberdeen City Council’s filming team handles public street and council land applications. VisitAberdeenshire and Screen Scotland can provide additional support for productions planning to use rural Aberdeenshire locations beyond the city boundary.
Process
Apply with at least five working days notice for standard permits. Road closures on Union Street require at least four weeks and careful coordination with the council’s traffic management team.
Fees
Competitive Scottish rates. Admin fees apply for filming permits. The team can advise on current rates.
What’s covered
City streets including Union Street and surrounding grid. Aberdeen Harbour public realm (the working harbour itself requires Aberdeen Harbour Board agreement separately). Council parks including Duthie Park. Civic buildings including Marischal College.
Typical restrictions
Harbour filming requires separate permission from Aberdeen Harbour Board. Marischal College is a popular and in-demand location — book early. Weather in Aberdeen is a consistent practical consideration for exterior shoots.
Contact
Apply on the Aberdeen City Council website → aberdeencity.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Aberdeen City Council issues filming permits for its area. Applications go through the council's filming / events team — not the local parks department or police, although those may also be consulted.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 5 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
- What's the typical cost?
- Aberdeen City Council quotes filming fees case-by-case based on scale, duration, and public-realm impact. Small documentary crews are often charged an admin fee only; feature-film shoots involving road closures cost meaningfully more.
- What does this permit cover?
- The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
- How do I apply?
- Apply via Aberdeen City Council's filming page at https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/filming. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.