12 Films & TV shows set in Scotland for your watch list

Inspired by family holidays to the Inner Hebrides, author Cressida Cowell’s How to Train Your Dragon book and film series have become a major hit amongst a global audience. Now showing in cinemas across the UK, you’ll be able to experience on the big screen why Scotland’s islands were the main source of inspiration behind the fictional Isle of Berk. If you’re looking to experience island life, the Isle of Mull is a great destination for all things Scottish folklore. You’ll be won over by the island’s fascinating geology, dramatic scenery and historic tales of Viking settlers, which helped fuel Cowell’s creative imagination when writing about stories of Vikings and dragons. 

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. 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. 

Comedy stars Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill are taking the plunge again in this second series, exploring wild swimming spots around the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. The couple (who you might recognise from Balamory and Still Game respectively) set off in their trusty campervan and take a dip in some of the most rugged and inspiring seascapes in Scotland. Be invigorated by the stunning landscapes around Barra, North Uist, Lewis, the Isle of Sanday and more. 

If you want to try wild swimming in Scotland, make sure you're familiar with the water safety code and plan your swims in advance.

Set in the atmospheric Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, PC Kat Crichton (played by Sorcha Groundsell) returns to her home island to investigate a murder in a remote castle. The high-end crime drama showcases the incredible landscapes of the Outer Hebrides, as well as offering a glimpse into the culture with its use of Gaelic. 

Been inspired? Discover the magic of the Outer Hebrides, or learn more about the Gaelic language.

In a brand new series, Hollywood A-lister Alan Cumming enjoys a Scottish railway journey in opulent style. Share his journey and revel in the Royal Scotsman's splendour on an odyssey through the heart of Scotland. You too can step aboard The Royal Scotsman which starts at Waverley Station with the promise of bagpipes, whisky, luxury cabins, and wild Scottish Highland scenery.

An independent film starring Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu and Saskia Reeves. The Outrun is 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.

Feel like you’re part of the action and follow in the footsteps of top detective Carl Morck (played by Matthew Goode) around the streets of Edinburgh. Created by Scott Frank, this nail-biting crime thriller series will have you on the edge of your seat with lots of twists and turns in store. After a traumatic incident that leaves his partner paralysed and the death of an officer, Carl Morck becomes the head of a new police department leading a team of misfits in the city’s cold cases. Experience first-hand some of the key filming locations on a visit to Edinburgh. Take a wander along the promenade of Portobello beach, enjoy the greenery of Princes Street gardens, or visit one of Edinburgh’s top neighborhood's, Leith, which offers lots of food and drink places to sink your teeth into. 

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 teeming 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.  

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.