Filming in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park: permits and fees
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs NPA manages filming via a direct online application form; no payment required until permission is confirmed.
Who issues permits
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority manages filming on NPA land and co-ordinates with other land managers within Scotland’s first national park. The NPA runs a direct online filming application form — no payment is required until permission is actually granted, which is a practical advantage for productions still in development or scouting phases.
Key locations and their managers:
- Loch Lomond — NPA for loch shores and access land
- Doune Castle — Historic Environment Scotland
- Stirling Castle — Historic Environment Scotland (just outside park boundary)
- Inveraray Castle — private Argyll Estates
- Killin — Stirling Council with NPA oversight
Process
Apply online at lochlomond-trossachs.org/filming. Allow four to six weeks for formal processing. For private estate land within the park, contact the relevant estate in parallel. For Historic Environment Scotland properties, apply via HES separately.
Fees
Fees are confirmed after permission is granted. Commercial production fees apply. No upfront cost to submit an application.
Scotland’s Land Access
Scotland’s Land Reform Act (CRoW Scotland) gives broad public access rights across the park. However, commercial filming constitutes a business activity and is not covered by general public access rights — NPA and landowner permission is required regardless.
Contact
Apply online → lochlomond-trossachs.org/filming
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- This permit is issued by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, a national body covering scotland. Applications go direct to them rather than the local council.
- 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?
- Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority 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. 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 Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority's filming page at https://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.