Filming in the Scottish Highlands: permits and fees
The Highland Film Office manages filming permits across the UK's largest council area, co-ordinating road, planning, and civic permissions for productions in the Highlands.
Who issues permits
The Highland Film Office, operating within Highland Council, is the main contact for filming across the Highlands. The council area is the largest in the UK by land — covering Inverness, Fort William, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross and Cromarty, and Isle of Skye. Many key heritage and landscape assets sit under separate management:
- Eilean Donan Castle — independently managed charitable trust
- Glenfinnan Viaduct — National Trust for Scotland (viewpoint); Network Rail (infrastructure)
- Urquhart Castle — Historic Environment Scotland (if applicable)
- Ardverikie House — private estate
- Ardross Castle — private estate
- Inverness Town House — Highland Council
Process
Contact the Highland Film Office first. They co-ordinate with Roads, Planning, and other Highland Council departments, saving productions from navigating multiple departments independently. Road closure applications on Highland roads take longer given network complexity — allow six weeks minimum for anything involving significant traffic management.
Road logistics
Highland Council maintains one of the longest road networks in Scotland, including extensive single-track roads. Large vehicles require pre-cleared route assessments from Roads. The Film Office can advise on suitable approach routes for any given location.
Contact
- Email: film@highland.gov.uk
- Web: highlandfilmoffice.co.uk / highland.gov.uk
Apply via the Highland Film Office → highlandfilmoffice.co.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Highland 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 28 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?
- Highland 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 Highland Council's filming page at https://www.highland.gov.uk. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.