Medieval Borders · The Borderlands
Mainstream Movies Filmed in the Scottish Borders
I set out to hunt down every movie location that used the Scottish Borders as its backdrop — from epic castles to quiet valleys captured on screen. The Borders may be hidden in real life, but on film, they shine.
Exploring Film Locations Hidden in Scotland’s Most Underrated Region
The Scottish Borders often flies under the radar when it comes to blockbuster filming locations—but those in the know understand its unique appeal. With remote, timeless landscapes, ancient structures, and atmospheric settings, the region has quietly served as the backdrop for some big screen moments.
From sweeping period dramas to ghost stories, Tarzan tales to royal romances, the Borders has hosted them all. And with a little digging (and walking boots), you can visit these cinematic spots yourself.
Here’s a look at mainstream movies that have used the Scottish Borders as a backdrop—along with the towns, castles, coasts, and countryside that helped bring them to life.
Movies Filmed in the Scottish Borders
1. The Awakening (2011)
Location: Berwickshire
A chilling supernatural drama starring Rebecca Hall, The Awakening follows a ghost hunter investigating a haunted boarding school after World War I. The moody landscapes of Berwickshire were the perfect stand-in for a postwar England caught between reason and the paranormal.
2. The Bruce (1996)
Location: Peebles
This historical epic traces the rise of Robert the Bruce and culminates at the Battle of Bannockburn. Peebles’ historic surroundings helped recreate the look and feel of medieval Scotland, just as rugged and raw as the script demanded.
3. Doors Open (2012)
Location: Scottish Borders Coast
Based on Ian Rankin’s heist novel, this TV film brought together Stephen Fry and Douglas Henshall for an art caper on Scotland’s coastline—shot along the Borders coast, offering rugged beauty with a modern twist.
4. Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan (1984)
Location: Floors Castle
Before CGI jungles, filmmakers used Floors Castle to stand in for Tarzan’s ancestral home. This lavish, aristocratic setting gave the film’s Victorian narrative just the right touch of grandeur and gloom.
5. Hallam Foe (2007)
Location: Peebles
This dark coming-of-age drama starring Jamie Bell featured Peebles as part of its backdrop, reinforcing the town’s growing status as a favourite for indie film crews.
6. The House of Mirth (2000)
Location: Manderston House
A stunning adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel, this film used the opulent interiors of Manderston House to transport viewers back to Gilded Age society, capturing the richness of early 20th-century wealth and heartbreak.
7. Mrs Brown (1997)
Location: Duns Castle
Starring Judi Dench and Billy Connolly, this royal drama captured the bond between Queen Victoria and John Brown. The evocative setting of Duns Castle made the perfect royal retreat.
8. Den ofrivillige golfaren (1991)
Location: Peebles Golf Course
Yes, even Swedish cinema has made its way to the Borders! This quirky golf comedy (translated as The Accidental Golfer) took advantage of Peebles Golf Course’s rolling greens and scenic views.
9. Solomon Kane (2009)
Location: St Abbs
This dark fantasy action film starring James Purefoy turned the cliffs of St Abbs into a dramatic, otherworldly coastline—perfect for sword fights and shadowy adventures.
10. Tommy’s Honour (2016)
Location: Peebles
This BAFTA-winning historical drama about the pioneers of modern golf featured Peebles as a filming location—and starred Jack Lowden, a proud Borders native.
11. Women Talking Dirty (1999)
Location: Coldingham Bay & St Abbs
This charming comedy-drama starring Helena Bonham Carter found beauty and character in the coastal villages of the Borders, offering cinematic contrast to its Edinburgh-set scenes.
Honourable Mention: TV Series Filmed in the Borders
From crime dramas to historical docudramas, the Scottish Borders has also featured in a number of TV series—we’ll cover those in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!
Know Any More?
The Borders’ mix of history, architecture, coastlines, forests, and untouched wilderness makes it perfect for almost any setting—from period piece to post-apocalyptic. Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film fan, there’s always more to discover.
Do you know of any more movies filmed in the Scottish Borders?
Drop us a message through our contact form below, and we’ll add it to our growing list!
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