AN UPCOMING film, a Sky Crime series and a children’s TV classic were among the productions filmed in Argyll and Bute last year.
A report has revealed that 90 enquiries were made, and 29 productions filmed, in the area during 2025 – resulting in more than three times the local spending of the previous year.
Some of the productions are being kept under wraps, but among those listed in the report is the film Jack of Spades, starring Josh O’Connor and Frances McDormand. Scenes were recorded at Kilberry Castle.
Children’s TV series Balamory, revived after 20 years, also filmed in Tobermory, on Mull, for nine days in August, while ‘Forensics: Catching a Killer’ was recorded in Helensburgh over two days. Legal drama ‘The Counsels’ also filmed in Helensburgh and Lomond.
The details feature in a report which will go before Argyll and Bute Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee at its meeting on Thursday, March 19.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said: “The screen sector continues to have the potential to not only bring production spend to the local economy but to be a catalyst for the growth of the tourism industry in Argyll and Bute.
“Liaising with Visit Scotland, Film in Argyll supports film tourism guides, providing an overview of film locations and highlights high profile productions that have filmed in the area over the years.
“Film in Argyll will continue to work across council services and with key partners to promote filming in Argyll and Bute.
“For the period January 2025 to December 2025, Argyll and Bute Council received 90 enquiries and there were 29 productions filmed during this period.
“This has led to an estimated local production spend of £4.8 million. Compared to the 2024 estimated local production spend of £1.4 million, this represents a significantly higher level of economic impact than in previous years and reflects an exceptionally strong year for the screen sector in Argyll and Bute.
“It should be noted that this figure is largely attributable to one major production, Jack of Spades, which accounted for a substantial proportion of the total spend.
“The screen industry spend can vary considerably from year to year, and the presence or absence of a single high-budget production can have a substantial impact on annual figures.
“Whilst the 2025 figures should therefore be viewed in this context, they nonetheless demonstrate the economic value that major productions can deliver and reinforce the importance of maintaining a strong Film in Argyll service to capitalise on such opportunities when they arise.”
The report said of Jack of Spades: “Directed by Joel Coen, this production was the largest to film in Argyll in 2025. Filming took place over the summer for 38 days in total at Kilberry Castle.
“There was also a two and a half month prep period prior to filming. The council provided assistance with road traffic control and permits for specific sequences.”
On Balamory, it added: “The hit TV series returned to use Tobermory as a backdrop for 20 14-minute episodes. The majority of filming took place in a studio, however production did film for a period of nine days in August.”
