Film Edinburgh reports rise in production shooting

Based on a series of bestselling books, Outlander was filmed across various Scottish locations

Edinburgh's film commission has reported a healthy rise in the number of productions filming in the area.

Film Edinburgh, which also covers East Lothian and the Scottish Borders, said 361 projects were completed in 2014 - a 6% increase on the previous year.

There was also an 8% rise in the number of production inquiries.

High-value productions which were completed included the BBC drama Murder, which filmed in Edinburgh for four months, and TV series Outlander.

Edinburgh Film estimated that the economic impact of filming in the area increased by 53% last year, to reach £4.6m.

Rosie Ellison, film manager for Film Edinburgh, said she was delighted that production companies had taken on board the message that the capital was a "film-friendly" city.

She added: "On average, we had around three productions filming every day in the Edinburgh region last year.

"This equates to over 70 additional filming days compared to 2013."

Film studio

Meanwhile, a planning consultation for a potential £125m film studio complex just outside Edinburgh is drawing towards a close.

The project, driven by developers Pentland Studios, includes a combined studio and back lot and a hotel on a site at Straiton.

The consultation is due to end early next month. Pentland hopes to break ground at the site in October or November this year, subject to planning permission being secured from Midlothian Council.

Ms Ellison said: "It goes without saying that if this comes to fruition it will have a significant impact, increasing the number of large-scale, high-value productions that can base here, bringing employment and investment to the area."