James Bond
Skyfall
(and others)
James Bond Filming Locations Across Scotland
Skyfall, the twenty-third installment of the James Bond film series, took the world by storm with its captivating story and stunning visuals and an iconic scene was shot in Scotland! BUT over the years, in fact, many James Bond films have had cameos in Scotland, on this page we introduce 3 of our favourite James Bond filming locations.
Let's take a closer look at the Scottish locations that played a crucial role in Skyfall's story as well as some other James Bond filming locations!
Buachaille Etive Mor - James Bond Skyfall Backdrop
Portions of "Skyfall" were filmed in Glen Coe and the adjacent Glen Etive. During a thrilling driving sequence captured in the Highlands along the A82 road, close to the remarkable peaks of Buachaille Etive Mor (as seen in the picture) and Buachaille Etive Beag, James Bond's iconic Aston Martin DB5 finds itself momentarily eclipsed by the breathtaking and atmospheric Scottish landscapes. The scenic Scottish backdrop remains a prominent presence throughout the ensuing exhilarating events of the film.
Fans of the film will recognise the winding roads, the rushing river, and the towering mountains that feature prominently in the scene.
Don't miss the opportunity to traverse the entire length of the Skyfall road, where the breathtaking vistas evolve continuously until you eventually arrive at a serene lake nestled at the road's end. Approach this journey with caution and a steady pace, especially on the gravel roads, and you'll find yourself marveling at how the legendary 007 managed to navigate these terrains in an Aston Martin!
Regrettably, the iconic Skyfall house depicted in the film was a product of movie magic and constructed as a set in Surrey, England, situated on Department of Defence land. However, as you venture further along the road, you may notice that one particular house bears a striking resemblance to its cinematic counterpart!
To locate this road, look for signs leading to Glen Etive. It's just past the Glencoe Ski area as you head into Glencoe. Cross the next bridge, and you'll spot the sign on your left – your gateway to this captivating adventure!
The cairngorms, where Aviemore is found and where the car chase continues, is an incredibly beautiful place in Scotland. It’s worth the visit for the avid James Bond fan to come see the town but also explore the area for it’s wide variety of wildlife and stunning views. You can find out more about the Cairngorms here.
Aviemore - James Bond, 2019 "No Time to Die"
In July 2019, Hollywood descended upon Aviemore, a tranquil Highland tourist town, creating a buzz of excitement. The cast and crew of "No Time to Die" transformed the town's car parks with trailers and temporary buildings to shoot a thrilling car chase scene amidst Aviemore's scenic beauty. This unexpected cinematic moment brought the community together, leaving an indelible mark on both the film and Aviemore itself, as it briefly became a hub of creativity and imagination.
Eilean Donan Castle - James Bond ‘The world is not enough’
Nestled on the awe-inspiring west coast of Scotland, the enchanting Eilean Donan Castle has etched its name into cinematic history with a memorable cameo in Pierce Brosman's "The World is Not Enough." This iconic castle, perched on its own island, provided the perfect backdrop for one of Q's ingenious gadget demonstrations. In the scene that James Bond fans will remember, Q showcased his latest creation - bagpipes that ingeniously doubled as a machine gun.
A classic moment in the James Bond movie! Eilean Donan Castle is also just a stunning place to visit in and of itself. The reflection of the castle on the loch leaves you mesmerised by its beauty.
You can also head over the bridge for £3 to see the castle up close or pay £8 to go inside as well. We take visitors of Scotland to the castle on our 3-day Isle of Skye tour that you can check out here (leaving from Edinburgh) and here (leaving from Glasgow).
If you’re more interested in seeing the James Bond filming locations you can get in touch with us here to organise a private tour of the mentioned locations and other from earlier James Bond films!
So what are you waiting for - plan your next Scottish adventure and get out there!
If you’d like to have a knowledgeable, friendly guide to take you on a tour of this beautiful land than consider booking one our own tours. We go the extra mile to ensure your trip to Scotland is the best it can be and unique to you!