Rising number of film companies setting up in Scotland

Outlander was shot in Perthshire and Fife and led to a boost in visitors to the area (Nick Briggs/Sony)

The number of Scottish film companies has risen by 66% in the last decade, according to the latest figures.

Last year there were 400 film and video companies registered in Scotland, up from 240 in 2008.

The figures, released by the Scottish Parliament, have been welcomed by the SNP.

However Gillian Martin MSP warned the industry is concerned by the potential impact of Brexit.

Filming major productions including the Fast & Furious spin-off Hobbs & Shaw brought just over £19 million to Glasgow’s economy last year.

Other productions to have sought out Scotland as a location include Netflix’s Outlaw King and hit TV series Outlander.

Ms Martin said: “The film industry employs thousands of people in Scotland and we’re increasingly seen as a destination location for major productions.

“As well as the direct economic impact of the industry, there’s no greater advert for Scotland as a tourist destination than our cities and landscapes being shown on the big screen.

“The SNP in government is committed to supporting our screen sector but, like all creative industries, there are serious concerns over the impact of Brexit.

“It’s shameful that, just three weeks until we’re expected to leave the EU, businesses and workers still have absolutely no clarity on what Brexit will look like.

“It’s time to press pause on Brexit and go back to the people.”