Lights, camera, action, Delight as Stirling Studios announced

Stirling Council is thrilled to announce the creation of Stirling Studios, which will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 17 April 2024 9:36

Stirling Council is thrilled to announce the creation of Stirling Studios, which will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland and pave the way for thousands of high-skilled jobs as well as major economic benefits.

Chief Executive Carol Beattie is confident about the future success of the studios, which will be located on the former MoD land at Forthside, as she identified that the site and buildings could fit well with the needs in the sector.

She said: “In a previous role as Director of Creative Industries for Scottish Development International, I knew there was still an opening for more production space in Scotland. At that point, I spent time in London speaking to the British Film Commission and studio operators such as Pinewood, Three Mills and Warner Brothers to understand the specifications of a good site.

“When I saw the unique buildings and location at Forthside, I considered it to be a fantastic fit, which has since been confirmed through our close consultation with the industry, including Screen Scotland.”

Screen production is continuing to experience rapid growth driven by consumer demand for content across multiple distribution platforms such as Netflix and Amazon. Worldwide, in 2019, screen sector production had a total economic impact of $414 billion and supported 14 million full time jobs.

Market trends, together with the hugely successful UK tax credits system, have driven a sustained expansion in TV and film productions across the UK. In 2021, total spend in the UK was £5.64 billion, up from £3.12 billion in 2021. This has been mirrored in Scotland with a recent Screen Scotland report showing a doubling of film and high-end TV production in the country between 2019 and 2021.

Stirling Studios will unlock significant investment and job opportunities, as well as an array of economic and social benefits. An independent economic impact assessment has estimated the project will create over 4,000 jobs in 25 years in a range of occupations, with the positive impacts filtering down the wider supply chains.

Whilst some of the job creation opportunities for film and TV production roles may immediately suggest acting, directing or producing, the range of jobs across existing industries within the Stirling and Forth Valley area that are required within the sector should not be underestimated.

Accessibility to a skilled workforce of joiners, labourers, plasters, scaffolders, lighting and electrical engineers, costume design, hairdressers, make-up artists etc. are critical in this sector and Stirling’s historical strengths in these areas provides a unique opportunity for growth.

Stirling’s geographical location provides the perfect triangle of success for the sector, with easy access for the talent from Glasgow, where crew base is well established, from Edinburgh, where growth has been significant in the last couple of years and now Stirling will be the centre point, connecting an exciting growth sector right across the central belt of Scotland.

Public transport links the locations from East or West in just over 30 minutes and a new, regular train service from London to Stirling means that the sector will also be able to continue to grow and improve its environmental ambitions

The studios will be located on the former MoD land at Forthside which has been transferred to the Council through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – a £214 million partnership between Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments.

This ambitious project has been supported by repurposing a proportion of the £19m grant secured by the council from UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) for the redevelopment and regeneration of Forthside.

Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “Stirling Studios brings one of those rare moments in Stirling’s history which offers the potential to be truly transformational. We have an opportunity to embed an industry in our city which will bring thousands of high-skilled jobs, put us on a global creative map and deliver a significant economic boost to the region over many decades.

“By making innovative use of the existing buildings on a former military site, we are creating a studio campus that will provide everything film producers need to meet demand in a thriving sector.

“Students in our schools, our college and our University will be able to pursue creative careers right here in Stirling that in the past would have meant having to consider leaving to chase opportunities elsewhere.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in getting us to this point. We are determined to seize the moment for the people of Stirling and realise the rewards of this ambitious project.”

Rather than demolishing and clearing all of the existing buildings on the MoD land as previously intended, some of these will be retained and refurbished for the film and high-end TV campus. This will accelerate the start of economic activity and job creation on the site as early as this year, with the council currently investigating the best option for operating the facility.

The remainder of the land will be redeveloped and cleared in line within existing plans, including the buildings not suitable for reuse. The other projects identified in the LUF bid, such as new roads, will still be delivered by early 2026 as a new sustainable and economically vibrant community takes shape in the Forthside area.

Experts have assessed there is currently 100,000 sq ft of studio space and 110,000 sq ft for production, logistics and office space at the site. This significant capacity and flexibility of space will enable Stirling Studios to fill current gaps in the market for TV and film production and support the rapid growth of the sector in Scotland and the UK.

Feedback on Stirling Studios from operators, producers and directors has been overwhelmingly positive, not only about the facilities but the other advantages of the site. These include: Stirling’s stunning scenery and natural landscapes, its central location, excellent transport links, as well as the opportunities to increase Scotland’s talent pool in a thriving sector through partnership working with the likes of the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College.

The site has already been used as a filming location which will provide valuable experiences and lessons to serve future high-end productions.

UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont said: "Scotland and the UK are a true film and TV production success story and the creation of Stirling Studios to add to the high quality portfolio of content being produced on these shores is brilliant news.

"I'm delighted that £24 million UK Government funding is helping Stirling Council to purchase and redevelop the former MoD Forthside site. The jobs and economy boosting regeneration that will follow will provide fabulous opportunities for the region.

"The UK Government is committed to making sure that Scotland and the wider UK remains an attractive location for film and high-end TV productions. That is why we have supported our world-leading creative industries with £1 billion in tax reliefs. In total we are investing £72 million in levelling up Stirling and Clackmannanshire and more than £3 billion across Scotland."

Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland said: “The Stirling site’s location and ready potential for conversion into a studio are both exceptionally promising. Scotland has recently seen significant growth in productions looking to access its internationally recognised cast and crew, as well as its versatile natural and built environments.

“This new site will only add to Scotland’s considerable offering as a filming destination. Working with Stirling Council on this over the last few months, we have been very encouraged by the visionary approach that the team there have taken to get to this stage, including the opportunity to grow the local crew base. We look forward to continuing to work with them towards the realisation of the project.”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.

Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity

The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.

The Scottish Wild Food Festival returns from 17th to 18th May

From Forest Floor to Firepit: Scotland’s Wild Food Festival Returns with a Focus on Responsible Foraging, Boozy Botany and Coastal Flavours.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration

Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!

Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden

The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.

Love Your Lawn with Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.

Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week

Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.

BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.

The hoppiest time of the year at the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!

Stirling caps off 900th anniversary celebrations with dramatic Castle parade

Thousands of people braved the elements to line the streets of Stirling to get a glimpse of one of the largest pipe band parades ever seen in the city to close the 900th anniversary celebrations.

Top comedian and Scottish brewer team up in search of best Scottish banter for upcoming book

Innis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.

Young Stirling musicians excited to be at the forefront of Stirling 900 gala parade

Young people in the Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band are excited and honoured to be among the bands at the front of the spectacular Stirling 900 finale parade on Saturday 29th March.

Spring into gardening: Dobbies free April workshops

Garden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.

JADE and Myles Smith join TRNSMT 2025 lineup

Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!

Doors to historic sites across Scotland set to open next month

More than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.

Theatrical screenings take centre stage at Vue this spring

To coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.

Brave P7 pupil hailed by school and charity

An inspirational pupil at St Margaret’s PS in Cowie has been hailed for his bravery in battling a rare lifelong condition by a primary school and a charity.

Scottish youth hostelling charity launches initiative reviving funded breaks for disadvantaged young people and families

An organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.

Local adults with learning disability excited to lead on innovative project

A group of adults with a learning disability in Stirling are leading on an innovative project that will equip them with new skills and help them raise funds to buy an electric tandem bike.

TRNSMT reveals 18 big dance acts for Glasgow Green

BBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!

Public Invited to Spring Clean Sessions in Stirling with the BID and Dr Murray Cook

The Go Forth Stirling BID team and archaeologist Dr Murray Cook are spearheading a drive to clean up the city’s streets and improve the local environment.

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell brings legendary vibes to Kelpies Live at Helix Park

UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.

Aldi calls on children to design a poster for food action week

To mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.

Church of the Holy Rude opens for the 2025 Visitor Season, Celebrating Stirling 900

The Church of the Holy Rude, one of Scotland’s most significant religious landmarks, will open its doors for the 2025 visitor season on Saturday, 29th March.

Giant gold girder stuns Scots as competition heats up

With three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!

Family fun awaits at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break

From Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.

Save our Society, Save our Souls

Ghouls, Giggles & Grave News – Stirling & Bridge of Allan’s oldest theatre group needs your support!

Residents and visitors invited to play their part in spectacular Stirling 900 parade

Residents and visitors are invited to create a carnival atmosphere at the finale to the Stirling 900 anniversary celebrations by turning out for one of the biggest pipe band parades the city has seen.

Foodies alert! Loch Lomond Springfest is back

Loch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts has curated a unique experience to help guests unwind

To mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

Lights, camera, action, Delight as Stirling Studios announced

Stirling Council is thrilled to announce the creation of Stirling Studios, which will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings