Filming in Glasgow: permits and fees

Who issues permits

Glasgow City Council’s filming team issues permits for council-controlled public space — streets, parks, and civic buildings. Screen Scotland, part of Creative Scotland, provides additional support for larger productions and can advise on permissions beyond city boundaries.

Process

Contact Glasgow’s filming team as early as possible in pre-production. The team takes details of the proposed shoot, dates, locations, crew size, and equipment. A permit covering specific areas is agreed, with any traffic management or parking suspension coordinated through the council’s roads department. Standard applications need at least 10 working days; road closures require more.

Fees

Glasgow takes a supportive approach to production. Basic street permits start at modest admin charges. Larger shoots or those requiring significant infrastructure support are priced on enquiry. Productions may also be eligible for Screen Scotland production support which can offset some location costs.

What’s covered

Streets and footways across the city, public parks including Glasgow Green and Kelvingrove Park, civic buildings such as the City Chambers on George Square, and public squares. The Barrowlands area and the West End’s residential streets are frequently used for period and contemporary productions.

Typical restrictions

Early morning and late-night filming requires specific agreement. Noise restrictions follow the council’s environmental policy. Productions must carry public liability insurance and submit a health and safety plan for larger shoots. Glasgow’s grid street pattern makes road closures relatively straightforward to manage.

Contact

• Email: filming@glasgow.gov.uk
• Web: glasgow.gov.uk/filming

Apply on the Glasgow City Council website → glasgow.gov.uk/filming