Filming in Edinburgh: permits and fees
Film Edinburgh is the free production support office for Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and the Scottish Borders, with current application forms updated for 2026/27.
Who issues permits
City of Edinburgh Council issues filming permits for public streets and council land. Film Edinburgh operates as the production-facing service, coordinating applications and directing productions to the correct forms. East Lothian and Scottish Borders have separate application forms but use the same Film Edinburgh contact.
Process
Download the Edinburgh Filming Application Form from the Film Edinburgh website — the 2026/27 form is currently active. Submit to the Film Edinburgh team. East Lothian and Scottish Borders use their own form, also available on the site.
Allow at least 10 working days for standard applications. Productions filming during the Edinburgh Festival (August) require significantly more lead time — the city is at full capacity during the festival and filming windows are severely limited.
Fees
Film Edinburgh’s advisory service is free. Council filming permits carry admin charges depending on scale. Commercial productions on council land are subject to hire fees negotiated with the relevant council property or events team. The 2025 Film Charter sets out Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting production.
What’s covered
Public streets throughout Edinburgh, council parks, civic buildings including the City Chambers, public squares including the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile. The Old and New Town World Heritage Site requires productions to adhere to the Edinburgh Code of Practice. East Lothian coastal and countryside locations and Scottish Borders access are available through the companion application forms.
Typical restrictions
The Royal Mile and Old Town have specific working hour and noise restrictions. Productions must sign the Edinburgh Code of Practice (updated June 2025). Filming during August Festival period requires early planning — most public spaces have significantly restricted availability.
Contact
- Email: film@edinburgh.gov.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)131 529 6273
- Web: filmedinburgh.org/Filming/Permits
Apply on the Film Edinburgh website → filmedinburgh.org