Six Degrees of Scotland: Film making the connection between the Oscars and Scotland

As we count down to the Academy Awards, VisitScotland is celebrating Scotland’s own stars of the big screen in a special map linking this year’s Oscar contenders with Scottish film locations!

Article Source: Visit Scotland
Last Updated: 28 February 2018 9:27

From Macbeth to Mission Impossible, Highlander to The Da Vinci Code, Scotland has had many starring roles. Its scene-stealing beauty has captured the attention of award-winning film-makers, leading stars of stage and screen and audiences across the world.

Six Degrees of Scotland, connects each of the Best Actor and Best Actress nominees with a movie filmed on-location in Scotland – in just six simple steps.

Each actor links to the next by a film they have appeared in together, until the chain reaches the Scottish film.

It is inspired by the six degrees of separation theory in which everyone in the world can be connected to each other in six steps or fewer, and with about 50 million people world-wide claiming Scottish ancestry, there are already plenty of connections to be made to Scotland.

So as you plan your next set-jetting adventure why not come up with your own Hollywood links?

Set jetting to Scotland in just six steps:

• Daniel Day Lewis (Phantom Thread) to Mrs Brown (Scottish Borders)
As the only man to win three Best Actor Oscars, Daniel Day Lewis could easily have been linked to a number of Scottish films, but it’s his work with Joan Allan in the Crucible which saw his six steps lead to a royal connection in the Scottish Borders, with the 1997 success Mrs Brown. Telling the story of Queen Victoria’s relationship with a Scottish servant, Mrs Brown brought together the acting talents of Dame Judi Dench as the formidable monarch and comedian Billy Connelly as John Brown. The privately owned Duns Castle, which offers a range of luxurious accommodation, assumed the role of Balmoral, while stables at Manderston - a magnificent Edwardian mansion in Duns -doubled for those at Windsor Castle.

• Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) to Macbeth (Isle of Skye)
The unsettling undertones of 2017 horror Get Out, and the 2015 adaptation of Shakespeare’s notorious play, Macbeth, are a fitting pairing. While rising British star Kaluuya played an American photographer; Irish actor, Michael Fassbender took on the role of the doomed Scottish King. However, it was the Isle of Skye that nearly stole the show. Many of Macbeth’s spectacular shots were filmed on the island. In one scene, Fassbender’s lead characher can be seen riding past the striking Old Man of Storr, while in another the Quiraing provides the backdrop as Macbeth returns from battle and is appointed The Thane of Cawdor. The magical beauty of the Fairy Pools and Sligachan Glen can also be spotted.

• Denzel Washington (Roman J Israel, Esq) to Whisky Galore (2016) (Aberdeenshire)
Another Oscar regular, Washington is one of the industry’s greatest character actors so why not link him to one of Scotland’s best-loved character actors, James Cosmo and his turn in classic comedy Whisky Galore? The 2016 movie, which is based on the 1947 novel by Compton Mackenzie and inspired by the real-life sinking of the SS Politician off the coast of Eriskay in 1941, was shot in a number of Scottish locations, including, St Abb’s Head in the Scottish Borders and the Aberdeenshire villages of Pennan and Portsoy. The latter is a charming port village lying on the Moray Coast, famed for its remarkable harbour, its well-known local jewellery made from ‘Portsoy marble’ and its role as host of the an annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

• Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) to Mission Impossible (Dumfries and Galloway)
While the hard-hitting drama of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri may seem a world away from the stunt-packed antics of Mission Impossible, the two can be joined thanks to stars like Nicolas Cage, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise and Kirstin Scott-Thomas. The first big screen outing of American spy Ethan Hunt saw the Annan line in Dumfries double for the south of England in the film’s climax as Cruise’s Hunt clings to the roof of a train as it speeds towards the Channel Tunnel. Take the line and enjoy a dram at the Annandale Distillery. A short distance away you’ll also find The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Eastriggs, while a few miles north in Ecclefechan is the birthplace of prolific writer and social commentator, Thomas Carlyle.

• Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) to Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Argyll)
One of Britain’s finest actors had to be linked with one of the UK’s finest cult comedies. Monty Python fans will be familiar with Castle Stalker or ‘the Castle of Aaaaarrrrggghh’ in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This picturesque castle is surrounded by water and located 25 miles north of Oban in Argyll. Although privately-owned, a limited number of tours are run each year and can be arranged by prior appointment.

• Margot Robbie (I, Tonya) to Skyfall (Highlands)
Some of the most celebrated names in UK cinema connect Australian actress Robbie to Britain’s most famous spy, James Bond. The iconic image of Daniel Craig’s Bond, alongside Judi Dench’s M, in Skyfall saw film fans flocking to Glen Coe to discover its haunting beauty and recreate the famous scene. Located within the awe-inspiring Lochaber Geopark in the Highlands, the deep valley and towering mountains of Glen Coe were carved out centuries ago by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions. Glencoe village is picturesquely located between the banks of Loch Leven and the mouth of the famous glen, making it the perfect base for exploring the area of Lochaber, known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

• Meryl Streep (The Post) to Trainspotting (Edinburgh)
Oscar-royalty Streep, has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood so it’s only fitting she is linked with one of Scotland’s most popular films. The cult hit Trainspotting and its sequel, T2 Trainspotting, made stars of its four lead actors and introduced audiences to another side of Edinburgh. Film fans will immediately recognise the iconic sights of the Capital as Ewan McGregor’s Renton and Ewen Bremner flee down Princes Street in the adrenaline inducing opening credits of the first film or gasp in wonder at the beauty of the Edinburgh cityscape when Renton and Spud run to the top of Arthur’s Seat in T2 Trainspotting. Keep an eye out for Edinburgh’s Old Town, Leith and Edinburgh Airport which all make appearances in the popular sequel.

• Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) to Rob Roy (Stirlingshire)
Love is the obvious connection between Sally Hawkin’s performance in the Shape of Water and Jessica Lange’s in Rob Roy. The latter played the wife of legendary Scottish folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor in Michael Caton-Jone’s 1995 film. Filmed mostly in the Highlands, Stirlingshire and Perthshire, the production included filming at Drummond Palace in Perthshire, in the heart of Rob Roy Country. Film fans can also follow in the footsteps of the Scottish ‘rogue’ on the Rob Roy Way, a popular walk which runs just over 90 miles from Dryman to Pitlochry

• Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) to The Da Vinci Code (Midlothian)
The Irish-starlet is set to make a direct link to Scottish film in a new movie documenting the dramatic events surrounding the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. Nominated for the coming-of-age drama Lady Bird, Ronan’s six steps end at the stunning Rosslyn Chapel. Located in Midlothian, the remarkable building is now one of the region’s top attractions following its appearance in The Da Vinci Code. The Borders Railway means it’s easier than ever to explore Midlothian, whether its hitting the slopes at the Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend or discovering the region’s mining past with a trip to National Mining Museum at Newtongrange,

• Timothée Chalamet (Call Me by Your Name) to Highlander (Kyle of Lochalsh)
Chalamet is quickly becoming one of the hottest actors in cinema appearing in two Oscar nominated films this year. His big screen success helps join him to Hollywood heavyweights such as, Matthew McConaughey, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, as well as one of the most recognisable castles in the world. The 1986 adventure fantasy film, Highlander saw Eilean Donan Castle in Kyle of Lochalsh transformed into the castle and the village of Glenfinnan. The striking historical landmark has starred in a number of film and TV series. The surrounding area offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Highlands and experience the best in Scottish wildlife, while the nearby village of Plockton was once voted the most beautiful village in Scotland,

For more information on Six Degrees of Scotland , please visit to www.visitscotland.com/blog/films/six-degrees-of-scotland/

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

Latest Glasgow News

The PartyPoker Tour heads to Glasgow

Following a successful launch in London and a summer stop in Manchester, the PartyPoker Tour continues its journey across the UK as it heads to Glasgow.

Children from local charity treated to blockbuster summer day out at Glasgow Fort

40 young people supported by local charity Young Movers (YoMo) were given the VIP treatment last week, enjoying a blockbuster day of summer fun at Glasgow Fort.

Session schedule unveiled for Glasgow 2026

With packed venues and 30 medal sessions across 50 sport sessions, it's shaping up to be one of the most electric weekends in Glasgow's sporting history!

Glaswegians invited to join mural trail with free pottery kits available across the city this weekend

Glaswegians are being invited on a wild and artsy wander through the city this Sunday (3rd August), courtesy of The Craft Pottery!

Celebrate South Asian cinema with a selection of new releases at Vue Glasgow

There's plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue Glasgow St Enoch this summer!

Take Me Somewhere reveals full programme of radical performance for biennial festival

Take Me Somewhere reveals its full programme of radical performance that will take over Glasgow in October, inviting audiences into spaces of care, resistance and transformation.

Principal casting announced for Sunny Afternoon ahead of Glasgow run

Danny Horn, Oliver Hoare, Harry Curley and Zakarie Stokes are stepping into the legendary shoes of The Kinks when Sunny Afternoon comes to The King's Theatre Glasgow in October!

Beatson Ambassadog Juno and owner Nicole set to attend Off the Beatson Track

Beatson Cancer Charity's official Ambassadog, Juno, will return to Off the Beatson Track this summer with her devoted owner Nicole Lowther.

Scots comic James Gardner offers early look at new Fringe show Jockney Rebel in Glasgow

One of Scotland's most talked-about comedy voices is returning to Glasgow this week for one night only.

Loudest youth showcase hits all the right notes

Grassroot organisation Girls Rock Glasgow have just wrapped their biggest Summer School to date with a sold-out graduation showcase at The Art School!

Scots Language Awards on hunt for nominees

The Scots Language Awards are now welcoming nominations for this year’s celebration of Scots.

Raja Rani Restaurant celebrates 8th Anniversary with special offer for customers

Raja Rani, the award-winning Indian restaurant in Bearsden in Glasgow, is celebrating in style this August.

Thousands of locals turn out for The Bridge Family Festival at Platform

There was a great turnout from thousands of locals to The Bridge Family Festival at Platform, The Bridge, Easterhouse, at the weekend.

BBC River City star Stephen Purdon joins the Go Radio Breakfast Show

Popular Scottish actor Stephen Purdon, best known for his long-standing role as Bob O'Hara in BBC soap River City, is joining The Go Radio Breakfast Show.

Kilmacolm mum to take on Off the Beatson Track once again while undergoing cancer treatment

Eilidh Wilson, 49, from Kilmacolm, is preparing to take part in Off the Beatson Track again on Sunday 24th August while continuing treatment for secondary breast cancer.

Best bars in town come together for Glasgow Cocktail Week 2025

Glasgow's best bars have come together once again to celebrate the return of the city's original and much-loved cocktail festival, Glasgow Cocktail Week!

Dobbies unveils spellbinding lineup of Autumn events

This October and November, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to its trio of enchanting autumn events that are lined up across the country, helping kick-start the season.

Rollers Forever announces cast for tartan clad musical celebrating Bay City Rollers fans

The full cast has been revealed for Rollers Forever - the brand-new musical featuring the songs of the legendary Bay City Rollers - opening at the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow next month.

Bombay cafe Dishoom confirms first Glasgow location ahead of opening next month

One of the UK's best-loved restaurants is finally opening in Glasgow next month with plans to bring their iconic dishes to the city centre.

Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition has officially opened its doors at SEC Glasgow, following a sell out 14 week run in London

This award-winning exhibition welcomes visitors for an extraordinary journey through Ancient Egypt, exploring the myths and mysteries surrounding Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Renowned wellness expert brings spiritual guidance to Glasgow as part of exclusive residency at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel and Spa

One of the UK's most sought-after wellness and healing experts is bringing her modern approach to traditional spiritual practices to Glasgow city centre.

Five fascinating historic facts about Scone Palace... the crowning place of kings

Scone Palace isn't just a beautiful day out, it's one of Scotland's most iconic historic sites, steeped in royal tradition, political intrigue and centuries of national significance.

Sam Ryder puts live music on tap with the Biggest Pub Gig Ever

Greene King Pubs has appointed Sam Ryder as its 'Head of Gigs' in a bid to get the UK rocking, by increasing access to live music and finding the country's best grassroots talent this summer.

Glasgow invited to celebrate as Citizens Theatre reopens with Homecoming Festival

A community procession in the Gorbals on Saturday 23rd August will officially reopen the Citizens Theatre, launching a season of Homecoming celebrations!

The Sweetest Berry Spots in Scotland this Summer

For those looking for something to fill their summer days, couples, kids, and everyone in between, these spots are perfect for picking Scotland’s most delicious berries.

Over three thousand people visited the annual Alexandra Park Festival Day

There was a great turnout in the sunshine and showers at this year's Alexandra Park Festival Day at the weekend!

GO Radio Football Show returns with major exclusive

The GO Radio Football Show returns today, from 5–7pm, with a blockbuster exclusive: Barry Ferguson breaks his silence for the first time on his three-month spell in charge at Rangers.

Common Tongue returns to Scottish stages with autumn tour

Common Tongue by Fraser Scott is to tour Scotland this autumn with a fourteen date tour in September and October.

Nintendo themed pottery night comes to Glasgow arcade

Level up your midweek plans: The Craft Pottery is hosting a Nintendo-themed pottery night at Glasgow arcade bar, Game Over on Wednesday 23 July from 7–9pm.

Ride your way to a free BBQ feast!

For one day only on Thursday 24th July, Maggie's Rock n Rodeo is calling on Glasgow's bravest diners to saddle up and ride their way to a free BBQ feast.

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro

Six Degrees of Scotland: Film making the connection between the Oscars and Scotland

As we count down to the Academy Awards, VisitScotland is celebrating Scotland’s own stars of the big screen in a special map linking this year’s Oscar contenders with Scottish film locations!

Sponsored Links

Latest Glasgow News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings