6 Famous Film Locations on Skye

As seen on screen:

• Macbeth (2015) – Starring Michael Fassbender, Macbeth used a number of locations on Skye. The Quiraing is the setting for the point in the film when Macbeth returns from battle and is anointed The Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan.
• The BFG (2016) – Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story was reimagined for the big screen in 2016, with the landscapes of the Quiraing and the Storr on Trotternish Ridge, and the mountainous Cuillin, inspiring the fictional ‘Giants’ Land’.
• Stardust (2007) – Skye looks truly magical in this fairy tale adventure. Michelle Pfieffer’s wicked character Lamia can be seen on the Quiraing as she sets out to hunt down Yvaine, a fallen star.
• The Land that Time Forgot (1975) – This fantasy adventure film had everything; submarines, dinosaurs and Skye! The final scenes featured Quiraing (and Old Man of Storr) which were turned into sea cliffs at end of the film as the hero casts his message in a bottle into the waves. Did you know that you can walk in actual dinosaur footprints at nearby Staffin?
• Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) – Kristen Stewart took the titular role in this dark fantasy film. Seen from the sky, the Quiraing was the landscape which lay in between the enchanted forest and snow forest. You can also see a group of travellers travelling over the Old Man of Storr.
• 47 Ronin (2013) – A samurai adventure starring Keanu Reeves, the Quiraing was used as the location of the film’s giant Buddha.
• Coming up: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and Transformers: The Last Knight, both due to be released in 2017, may feature scenes shot at the Quiraing.

As seen on screen:

• Prometheus (2012) – In Ridley Scott’s sci-fi thriller, the film starts in Scotland in the year 2089 on the Storr, where an archaeologist (Noomi Rapace) discovers the ancient star map in a cave under the Old Man of Storr.
• The Wickerman (1973) – Whilst much of the film was shot in south west Scotland, the opening scenes of this unsettling cult classic sees a seaplane flying over the Skye, taking in the Storr and the beautiful coastline.

How to get there:

After visiting the Quiraing, it’s a 20 minute drive to the Storr following the A855 in the direction of Portree. The local 57 bus stops near the car park too.

To climb the Storr to the Old Man of Storr, follow the path through the felled woodland and then approach the Old Man over the open hillside.

As seen on screen:

• Highlander (1986) – Remember this gripping fantasy epic which starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery? The dramatic sword fighting scene in the film was filmed on the Cioch Buttress on Sron Na Ciche.
• Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle (2007) – This film made history as the first Scottish Gaelic language feature film. Sgurr Dearg acts as the focus of events in film about folklore and storytelling. Eilean Iarmain and Elgol also used as backdrops.
• Stardust – Loch Coruisk was also featured in the flying boat scenes with Captain Shakespeare as scenic backdrop.

How to get there:

The Cuillin can be seen from the roadside, making the drive along the island’s roads absolutely spectacular. Enjoy some of the best roadside views on the journey from Broadford to Elgol.

It’s from Elgol where you can take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk, which lies at the heart of the Cuillin range. Many walkers take one of the boats to the loch and then start their hike through the Cuillin, or you could just explore the surrounding landscape for a couple of hours before returning to Elgol by boat.

In addition, you could explore the Cuillin on foot with the help of an experienced mountain guide. Companies such as Skye Guides or Skye Adventure can safely prepare and lead challenging climbs, ridge traverses, scrambles and walks.

As seen on screen:

• Stardust – Fairy Glen was used in scenes in Stardust where Lamia meets another witch, Ditchwater Sal, at her caravan, and puts an enchantment on her which prevents her from seeing Yvaine, the fallen star.

How to get there:

The Fairy Glen is most easily reached by car. Located in the north of the island not far from Uig, Fairy Glen can be found along a single track road in between the villages of Sheader and Balnaknock.

As seen on screen:

• Breaking the Waves (1996) – In this emotional drama by Lars Von Trier you can see the lighthouse in the scenes shot at the graveyard at the end of film. The Quiraing was also used as ‘chapter heading’ in the film.
• 47 Ronin – Skye doubles for late medieval Japan and Neist Point was used to portray the coastline of Western Japan.

How to get there:

The easiest way to get to Neist Point is with your own transport (or as part of a tour). If coming from Broadford it’s a 50 mile journey following the A87 north, before taking the A863 and the B884. Nest Point is approximately 30 miles from Portree heading north from the town on the A87 north before joining the A850 at Carbost. The final stage of the journey takes in the A863 and the B884.

As seen on screen:

• Made of Honor (2006) – In this romcom, part of which was set in Scotland, the Dunvegan Estate was used as scenic brackdrop. You might also recognise Portree and Kylerhea!

How to get there:

From Portree, it’s a 30 minute drive to Dunvegan following the A87 and the A850. Local buses also depart from Portree.

Take a boat trip to see the seal colony, wander through the gardens or discover a treasure trove of wonders within the castle wall on a tour.