It's All About The Location

The area surrounding Comrie Croft is pretty famous and has some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, possibly the world (well in my opinion).  Robert Burns was so taken with its beauty he penned two poems about Loch Turret and Ochtertyre.  It's no surprise then that TV and film directors think the same and have used the Strathearn countryside as a back drop for many productions over the years.

Twenty miles west of the Croft lies the villages of Kilin and Balquhidder (not Strathearn, but close enough).  Back in 1955 comedy Geordie (old I know but bear with me) opens with panoramic views of Loch Voil from the the hills north of Blaquhidder.  After the schoolhouse scenes a young Geordie is seen climbing a field gate which was filmed at Balquhidder church.  The gate, now replaced by a metal one is still there to be visited.  Might be a wee prize for whoever finds the gate and takes a picture of someone sitting on it.

The 1959 (see getting more modern) remake of The 39 Steps sees diplomat Richard Hanney trying to escape the police.  On his way to Glenkirk he passes by the Falls of Dochart in Kilin and over the river Balvag at Balquhidder where his bike chain breaks.  I'm sure lots of you have ridden over that bridge, another photo opportunity?  I do like pictures.

Skip forward 20 or so years (told you to bear with me) to Oscar winning 1981 film Chariots of Fire (impressed?). Scenes of the 1926 Highlands of Scotland athletics' meeting were filmed in picturesque Sma' Glen where the road runs alongside the River Almond.  A lovely wee spot for a picnic too.

A stones throw from Comrie Croft is Loch Monzievaird.  The scene of a few battles throughout history, Frank in the 2005 film On A Clear Day uses it when training for swimming the English Channel.

Built in 1490 and gardens added in the 1630's, Drummond Castle has had many movie scenes shot on its estate, such as 1996 film The Bruce and 2005 film Man to Man.  In the 1995 blockbuster Rob Roy, Drummond Castle is used as the Marquis of Montrose's castle.  Most recently (this year) however and most excitingly parts of Outlander (not a film I know) were filmed on the estate.  Sadly I never caught a glimpse of Jamie!

It's not just movie makers that have been drawn to this stunning area, TV bosses have visited with the likes of Dr Findlays Casebook filmed at Cultybraggan, crime thriller Edge of Darkness filmed near Morrisons Academy in the 80's, and there was a "murrrrder" in the 90's when Taggart filmed outside Crieff.  More recently Blue Peter visited Gleneagles Hotel, Beechgrove Garden helped the kids of Comrie Primary School and GMTV's Richard Arnold suprised one of our staff with a dream holiday.  Phil from Location, Location, Location brought a couple in 2013 to view houses in Crieff and Comrie and The Culture Show visted Comrie with their blue campervan in 2010 and 2011 for their take on the Man Booker Prize shortlist.

Add on to all that the high chance of bumping into Ewan McGregor walking down the high street in Crieff or sharing a pint with Gerard Butler in the Royal Hotel in Comrie and it makes this hidden gem the place to visit!

November 2015

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