Skyfall in Scotland - James Bond returns to Scotland

Friday 26 October 2012

Scotland will star in the new James Bond film, ‘Skyfall’, to be released later this month.

The release of the 23rd Bond film, starring Daniel Craig in his third appearance as Ian Fleming’s 007, sees Bond return to his Scottish roots, as he takes his iconic Aston Martin DB5 into the atmospheric scenery of Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands.

Bond films are always known for beautiful women, fast cars and stunning locations. No surprise then that this will be the fourth film to feature Scotland’s stunning scenery.

In 1963, ‘From Russia with Love’ saw Bond pursued by sinister agents in a speed boat in Turkey. Unbeknownst to the vast majority of cinema goers, this boat chase scene was actually shot on Scotland’s Loch Craignish in Argyll.

Argyll again featured in 1977’s ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, with filming taking place at Her Majesty’s Naval Base, in Clyde, located on the eastern shore of Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute, with Commander Bond dressed in full navy uniform.

Iconic Eilean Donan Castle also had an unforgettable cameo in The World is Not Enough (1999), when it served as the Scottish headquarters of Mi6. The film’s producers fully embraced the Scottish connection, with Q giving Bond a demonstration of bagpipes that doubled as a machine gun.

Why not visit Scotland and create your own Bond-inspired trip:

· Whisk your leading lady away on a romantic getaway

Cameron House, Loch Lomond

Take your loved one on a romantic seaplane journey. Depart from the pontoon at beautiful Cameron House hotel and soar up 500 feet to see the entire loch and be wowed by the real majesty of the Highlands.

· Get an adrenaline high

Highland Fling Bungee, Perthshire

Highland Fling Bungee is the UK’s first static bungee jump, and is situated near to famous site of the Battle of Killiecrankie. A specially constructed bungee jump platform is suspended below the Garry Bridge over the beautiful River Garry near Pitlochry in Highland Perthshire, Scotland and is perched above a dramatic gorge surrounded by ancient trees.

· Spy some wildlife

Highland Safaris, Aberfeldy, Perthshire

Visit Highland Safaris for a unique experience combining breathtaking Highland scenery, award winning and exhilarating Land Rover Safaris with Scottish heritage, inspiring walking & biking activities, and an exclusive Red Deer Park and Gold Panning Centre. Visitors may be lucky enough to see the majestic red deer, the famous grouse, the elusive mountain hare or the soaring golden eagle as they travel through forests, mountains and moors on private hill tracks.

· Sailing

Sail on Scotland’s West Coast

30 miles off the North West coast of Scotland lie the Outer Hebrides, an idyllic island chain that sits on the edge of Europe. Picture a paradise of powder white beaches and Atlantic waves, dark moorland and epic mountains, amazing wildlife and a rich and vibrant culture.

Each island holds its individual charm and rich history. Arriving by sea is the ultimate way to take in your surroundings, not only heightening your sense of each island’s geography, but also to experience that sense of getting away from it all. Routes around the islands pass puffins, porpoises, deer and dolphins, and offers stunning island scenes.

· Skiing

Experience the downhill thrill at one of Scotland’s five ski resorts

The Spy who Loved Me, The World is Not Enough and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service are just three of the many Bond films to include skiing scenes. Scotland has five ski resorts, so why not head to the slopes this winter for skiing, snowboarding or some expert snowsports tuition.

· Be shaken, not stirred at a cocktail bar

Bramble Bar, Edinburgh

This Queen Street cocktail bar has quickly established itself as an Edinburgh favourite. The décor is elegant with flatteringly low-lighting, high-backed leather armchairs and lots of intimate corners.

ENDS

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Road twisting through the valley, Glencoe, Highland, Scotland.