A new Edinburgh movie map highlighting key locations seen in films such as Trainspotting, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Da Vinci Code has been launched to celebrate the city’s glittering history on the silver screen.
A collaboration between VisitScotland and Film Edinburgh, the map features 32 locations around the city which were used in 21 cinema releases.
It ties in with This Is Edinburgh’s Film in the City campaign which will see film events in Edinburgh throughout June, culminating in the Edinburgh International Film Festival (18-29 June), when many film lovers and members of the industry will be in town.
Available in print and online, the map has been designed to appeal to movie fans and those interested in the ‘behind the scenes’ aspect of film. It also includes a film events diary, detailing the many festivals, workshops and events taking place in the city during the year.
The locations featured have been used in movies that were shot in and around the city during the last 80 years, from romantic comedies such as One Day (2011) and Happy Go Lovely (1951) to dramas such as Jude and Trainspotting (both 1996) and cinematic classics such as The 39 Steps (1935) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969).
The map also includes details on how to get around using public transport and is supported by Transport for Edinburgh – making it easy for film fans to take a bus, tram or bus tour to explore the city and their favourite movie moments.
Rosie Ellison of Film Edinburgh said: “As the film office for the city, Film Edinburgh works with filmmakers to attract and facilitate film production in the Edinburgh city region. A film-friendly city is central to this task, and a city that recognises its film history is a more film-friendly place. This map is a celebration of Edinburgh on the screen. It gives people the chance to find out where films they know about have shot, and also flags up a few films they may not have been aware of.”
Jenni Steele, Film Tourism Project Manager at VisitScotland, said: “Edinburgh is one of the most cinematic cities in the world and this handy map will allow visitors and locals alike to follow in the footsteps of their favourite film stars. Around a fifth of all visitors to Scotland are influenced to come here after seeing it in a film or on television, meaning Edinburgh and the surrounding area is hugely popular among set-jetters.”
Ian Craig, Chief Executive at Transport for Edinburgh, said: “This has been a great project for us to be involved in as so many of Edinburgh’s film locations are easily accessible using our transport routes. We hope our contribution helps residents and visitors get the most out of the new map, whether they buy a DAYticket or download our free app.”
Speaking on behalf of the city centre campaign This Is Edinburgh, John Donnelly, Chief Executive of Marketing Edinburgh, said: “The magic of standing in a street immortalised on film is sure to appeal to residents and visitors alike. Edinburgh has always been a beautiful city to see on foot and the release of this map will give people yet another reason to wander around and explore, attracting people to places they might not have otherwise found or providing a fresh perspective on much loved locations.”
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: “We still clearly see the impact of Rosslyn Chapel being included in The Da Vinci Code, even though the film was first released in 2006. The film had a huge effect on our visitor numbers and, as the Chapel Trust is a charity, all the income from our visitors helps the Chapel’s long-term conservation, ensuring that future generations will also be able to enjoy it.”
The map is available to download from here – movie map – and in print format from Edinburgh cinemas, the VisitScotland Information Centre on Princes Street and many local attractions, restaurants and cafes.
The films included on the map are:
Death Defying Acts (2007); Sunshine on Leith (2013); Greyfriars Bobby (1961); Trainspotting (1996); Happy Go Lovely (1951); The Battle of the Sexes (1959); Shallow Grave (1994); One Day (2011); Jude (1996); The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969); Chariots of Fire (1981); Hallam Foe (2007); The Angels’ Share (2012); Cloud Atlas (2012); Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1959); Restless Natives (1985); Blue Black Permanent (1992); Filth (2013); The Illusionist (2010); The 39 Steps (1935 and 1959); The Da Vinci Code (2006)