Cumbernauld shortlisted as film studio location

The town has been shortlisted alongside a site on the Clyde waterfront, Dalmarnock, central Glasgow and Gartcosh following a major feasibilty study. Each location is now to be assessed for economic viabilty before recommendations are sent to the Scottish Government.

Creative Scotland is investing £1 million in this project and initially plans for Film City Glasgow, based in Govan Town Hall, were favoured with plans to expand their operation.

However, the recent deal which brought an American production company to film fantasy series Outlander at the former Isola plant has boosted interest in creating a permanent facility at Cumbernauld instead.

At present there is little information available regarding the sites at Gartcosh and Dalmarnock.

Local campaigner Adam Smith recently wrote to culture secretary Fiona Hyslop promoting Cumbernauld as the ideal location for the studio.

He said: “The recent creation of a TV studio and production base for the new Outlander series surely puts Cumbernauld in prime position to secure this additional £1 million investment. The creation of a further film and TV studio in the area would be a fantastic achievement for the town and would bring many new jobs to Cumbernauld while creating countless opportunities for local businesses to grow and develop.”

David Smith of Scottish Enterprise said: “We need the private sector to work with us and Creative Scotland to develop a long term, sustainable film and TV production studio facility in Scotland.

“To help potential investors and studio operators we’ve commissioned a study to identify potential options, locations and business models.”