Filming in Scotland: Screen Scotland permits guide
Screen Scotland connects productions to councils, local film offices, NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland, and other national partners for filming anywhere in Scotland.
Who issues permits
Individual councils issue permits for their own land and streets. Screen Scotland’s Screen Commission connects productions to the right councils, local film offices, NatureScot, Historic Environment Scotland, Transport Scotland, and landowners. Edinburgh and Glasgow have dedicated film-office routes; Highland and island locations often need more local routing.
Process
Contact Screen Scotland’s Screen Commission early in pre-production. The team advises on which councils and landowners need to be engaged and can facilitate introductions. For major productions, Screen Scotland may assign production support with knowledge of the specific region.
Fees
Screen Scotland’s advisory service is free. Individual councils and landowners set their own filming fees. Remote Highland and island locations may involve additional logistical costs within the permit process.
What’s covered
All of Scotland, from Edinburgh Castle in the capital through the Highlands and islands, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, and remote locations in the Outer Hebrides and Orkney.
Typical restrictions
National scenic areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest require NatureScot input before access is confirmed. Historic Environment Scotland must be consulted for filming at scheduled monuments. Remote locations may require production companies to arrange their own access infrastructure.
Contact
- Web: screen.scot/film-in-scotland
- Local film offices: screen.scot local film offices
Start with Screen Scotland -> screen.scot/film-in-scotland
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- This permit is issued by Screen Scotland, a national body covering scotland. Applications go direct to them rather than the local council.
- How long is the lead time?
- Lead time varies. UK councils typically ask for 5–10 working days for a straightforward filming permit, but road closures, large crews, or night shoots may need 3–4 weeks. Contact the team early.
- What's the typical cost?
- Screen Scotland 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, outdoor. 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 Screen Scotland's filming page at https://www.screen.scot/film-in-scotland. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.