10 Films & TV Shows Set in Scotland For Your Watch List

The Outrun arrived on the big screen this September, an independent film starring Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu and Saskia Reeves. Based on the best-selling memoir by Orcadian writer Amy Liptrot, the film tackles themes of addiction and recovery. Orkney provides a stunning background to the film, with beautiful shots of the islands and their unique coastlines, landscapes and communities. 

If Orkney has captured your imagination after seeing the film, check out our list of things to do and places to visit on the islands with connections to nature, wildlife and stories featured in The Outrun.

If you were hooked by the BBC murder-mystery series Shetland you'll definitely want to watch Shetland: Scotland's Wondrous Isles, a new five-part documentary series. Featuring stunning cinematography that captures the dramatic natural beauty and teaming wildlife of the archipelago, the series also offers a unique insight into the lives of Shetland's diverse array of inhabitants. Meet a colourful cast of characters spanning everyone from native islanders whose roots stretch back centuries to newcomers from all walks of life drawn by the unique allure of Shetland. 

Rebus is a new gripping crime drama from the BBC, following everyone's favourite Inspector, John Rebus, in his younger detective days. The action unfolds against the backdrop of Edinburgh’s dramatic cityscape, starring Outlander alum Richard Rankin in the titular role. The series is based on the acclaimed novels by Edinburgh author Ian Rankin and features many locations across the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh to explore. All episodes are available on BBC iPlayer.

If you’ve seen Netflix’s latest adaptation of the best-selling novel by David Nicholls, then chances are Scotland’s capital city is now high on your list for a trip! One Day features many film locations across Edinburgh that are easy to visit, including Arthur’s Seat, The Vennel, Old College and New Town. Nothing beats a walk up Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the city and The Vennel offers an excellent perspective of Edinburgh Castle, but if you’re looking for a romantic wander around university buildings to soak up the architecture of the series, then Old College and the New Town areas of the city are for you.  

Scotland is full of elegant stately homes and castles that transport you back in time, so it’s not surprising it was used as the backdrop for filming The Buccaneers on Apple TV+. Scotland stands in for England in this adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel and the landscapes and locations are well worth a visit for any Buccaneers or history fan. From the elegance of Hopetoun House in South Queensferry to the marble interiors of Glasgow City Chambers or the stunning seascapes of Seacliff Beach in East Lothian, immerse yourself in the inspiring surroundings of The Buccaneers filming locations across Scotland.  

The Traitors had viewers hooked straight away, and a huge part of its popularity is down to its Scottish aesthetic; a tense plot unfolding in a dramatic Scottish castle, as players complete tasks in sweeping Highland scenery whilst watched by hosts bedecked in chic tartan. What’s not to love? Embrace your inner Claudia Winkleman and escape to the Highlands with a trip to Inverness and the surrounding area, where The Traitors UK and US versions are filmed. You can also venture on to Moray Speyside, where the action-packed finale took place. Explore the woodlands, hills and lochs of the Highlands or even book your own private castle stay to capture a bit of The Traitors glamour. 

Starring Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie and Martin Compston, Vigil was an instant hit created by the makers of Line of Duty. There have been two series set and filmed partially in Scotland. Most Scottish scenes take place in Glasgow, but there are also some beautiful scenic shots of the west coast. Although the most recent series focuses on events in the Middle East, Scotland still plays a large part in the plot and features some recognisable Glasgow sites including The Clyde Arc and the lively West End area of the city. 

There’s been an influx of TV featuring Scotland’s delicious food and drink recently, including The Hairy Bikers Go West, Rick Stein’s Food Stories and Somebody Feed Phil. Recreate their culinary journeys, from sampling a fresh catch on Loch Fyne to enjoying mouth-watering treats at Tantrum Doughnuts in Glasgow or indulging in a wee dram in Talisker Distillery on Skye. Scotland has plenty of homegrown produce and a cutting-edge culinary scene to experience so, wherever you’re staying, make sure you try the local delicacies.  

Canadian actor Eugene Levy recently visited Scotland as part of the new Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveller. Eugene engaged with his Scottish heritage, taking trips to Aberdeenshire and Glasgow and learning more about the history and culture of the country. If you have Scottish ancestry or feel a strong connection to Scotland, this trip will definitely get you inspired for your own Scottish adventure! 

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, BBC’s Wild Isles documentary highlighted the beauty and variety of the UK’s wildlife and featured Scotland heavily – Shetland, the Highlands, Islay and Skye were all used in the first episode alone! An incredible range of our wildlife was seen on screen, including white-tailed eagles, orcas, northern gannets and capercaillies. If you’re looking for a heart-warming nature documentary, Billy & Molly tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a man and a wild otter in the remote Shetland Islands.