New Batman film could be shot in Highlands

Transport Scotland said it had been approached by the Batman movie's production company

Scenes for the new Batman film The Dark Knight Rises could be shot in the Highlands.

Newspaper reports have suggested the A9 near Inverness will be shut to allow a Hercules C130 aircraft to land on it.

Police said they had not been approached about closing the trunk road.

However, while not naming the film involved, Northern Constabulary said it had been asked to assist a crew with filming in Badenoch and Strathspey.

A police spokeswoman said: "We have been in contact with a private film company to assist with traffic management during private filming in the Badenoch and Strathspey area."

Scottish government agency, Transport Scotland, said it had been approached by the Batman movie's production company about using roads at locations across Scotland.

Anne Hathaway will play Selina Kyle and her alter-ego Catwoman

A spokeswoman said: "Scotland has some stunning landscapes which make a fantastic backdrop for films, and we are delighted that the nation continues to be such an attractive destination for film-makers to invest.

"In this case, the production team have made initial inquiries into the possibility of using part of the road network for a movie location.

"We have asked them to seek the support of the police before submitting further details."

The Dark Knight Rises is due for release in July 2012.

It is director Christopher Nolan's third Batman film, the previous features being Batman Begins in 2005 and 2008's The Dark Knight.

Christian Bale plays the role of Batman.

In the new film, Anne Hathaway will play Selina Kyle and her alter-ego Catwoman.

Tom Hardy, who appeared in Nolan's film Inception, will play villain Bane.