Video: Mary Queen of Scots on screen

A new video from VisitScotland highlights the filming locations for the new Focus Features movie Mary Queen of Scots.

The release of the movie Mary Queen of Scots, which reached UK cinemas on 18 January 2019, has sparked interest in the locations where the drama was filmed.

This new video from VisitScotland highlights five locations that feature in the film, showing aerial views and snapshots from filming, which took place around the country in 2017. The Focus Features movie stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary Queen of Scots, with Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth. For the full line up see here.

Where was the Mary Queen of Scots movie filmed?

As the below video shows, there are five key Scottish locations where the film's action takes place:

1 Glencoe, Highlands

This Highlands spot is a favourite with film-makers, for its jaw-dropping scenery, show-capped mountains and isolated location. In Mary Queen of Scots, the Stewart queen is seen leading her army on horseback at Glencoe.

2 Blackness Castle, West Lothian

This 15th-century fortress stands on the south shore of the Firth of Forth and in the movie, doubles as Holyrood Palace. Filming took place in and around the castle, as shown in the following video.

3 Glen Feshie, Cairngorms

This scenic glen acted as an attractive backdrop to the action, with Mary leading her army against the rebels. The glen is popular year-round with walkers, hikers and adventurers.

4 Tantallon Castle, East Lothian

The movie makers used the beaches of Tantallon Castle during filming, and Mary is said to have visited this spot in 1566. The stronghold was home to the Douglas dynasty in centuries gone by and was destroyed by the troops of Oliver Cromwell in 1651.

5 Poldullie Bridge, Strathdon

This pretty bridge (pictured) plays a key role in the film, in an ambush scene involving Mary, her army and a group of rebel soldiers. This category B listed bridge in Aberdeenshire spans the River Don.

Poldullie Bridge image copyright Stanley Howe