6 Famous Film Locations on Skye

The camera really loves the Isle of Skye. Even if you’ve not already looked upon Skye with your own eyes, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen it on the silver screen. The island has been captured in dozens of feature films, from big-budget blockbusters to critically-acclaimed arthouse productions. In some movies, the striking island scenery makes only a fleeting appearance, whilst in others, it’s a major star. It’s been the backdrop for dramas set in the Highlands, as well as depicting many wondrous, imagined fantasy worlds.

Plan a trip and explore the sets for yourself! Here are some of the top filming locations on the Isle of Skye which you can visit.

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The Quiraing

Once seen, never forgotten, the Quiraing is one of Skye’s most iconic landscapes. This landslip on the northernmost point of the Trotternish Ridge is defined by cliffs, sweeping hillsides and awesome pinnacles and looks strangely supernatural.

As seen on screen:

Macbeth (2015) – Starring Michael Fassbender, Macbeth used a number of locations on Skye. The Quiraing is the setting for the point in the film when Macbeth returns from battle and is anointed The Thane of Cawdor by King Duncan.
The BFG (2016) – Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story was reimagined for the big screen in 2016, with the landscapes of the Quiraing and the Storr on Trotternish Ridge, and the mountainous Cuillin, inspiring the fictional ‘Giants’ Land’.
Stardust (2007) – Skye looks truly magical in this fairy tale adventure. Michelle Pfieffer’s wicked character Lamia can be seen on the Quiraing as she sets out to hunt down Yvaine, a fallen star.
The Land that Time Forgot (1975) – This fantasy adventure film had everything; submarines, dinosaurs and Skye! The final scenes featured Quiraing (and Old Man of Storr) which were turned into sea cliffs at end of the film as the hero casts his message in a bottle into the waves. Did you know that you can walk in actual dinosaur footprints at nearby Staffin?
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) – Kristen Stewart took the titular role in this dark fantasy film. Seen from the sky, the Quiraing was the landscape which lay in between the enchanted forest and snow forest. You can also see a group of travellers travelling over the Old Man of Storr.
47 Ronin (2013) – A samurai adventure starring Keanu Reeves, the Quiraing was used as the location of the film’s giant Buddha.
Coming up: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword and Transformers: The Last Knight, both due to be released in 2017, may feature scenes shot at the Quiraing.

How to get there:

Located in the north part of the island, the Quiraing can be reached by car, following the road to Uig from Portree. There’s parking at the top of the hill on the road in between Uig and Staffin. In addition, there are bus services from Portree which pass the Quiraing.

It’s best to take in the Quiraing on foot by following the rough path, where you’ll enjoy splendid views of the Trotternish Ridge.

The Old Man of Storr

We have to say, rocks don’t come much more cinematic than the Old Man of Storr! Lying on the Storr, a rocky hill on the Trotternish Peninsula, this pinnacle proudly stands at around 160 ft tall, and is surrounded by several slightly smaller pinnacles. A true icon of Skye, it can be seen for miles around.

Uitzicht op de Old Man of Storr, Skye vanaf het eiland Raasay

As seen on screen:

Prometheus (2012) – In Ridley Scott’s sci-fi thriller, the film starts in Scotland in the year 2089 on the Storr, where an archaeologist (Noomi Rapace) discovers the ancient star map in a cave under the Old Man of Storr.
The Wickerman (1973) – Whilst much of the film was shot in south west Scotland, the opening scenes of this unsettling cult classic sees a seaplane flying over the Skye, taking in the Storr and the beautiful coastline.

How to get there:

After visiting the Quiraing, it’s a 20 minute drive to the Storr following the A855 in the direction of Portree. The local 57 bus stops near the car park too.

To climb the Storr to the Old Man of Storr, follow the path through the felled woodland and then approach the Old Man over the open hillside.

The Cuillin

The rocky summits of the Cuillin are amongst the toughest mountains in the UK and are pure drama. Sometimes called Black Cuillin, it can be described as breathtaking yet unforgiving. It’s a range formed by 36 peaks stretching along 12 km of ridge, and is a firm favourite with serious climbers and Munro-baggers.

As seen on screen:

Highlander (1986) – Remember this gripping fantasy epic which starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery? The dramatic sword fighting scene in the film was filmed on the Cioch Buttress on Sron Na Ciche.
Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle (2007) – This film made history as the first Scottish Gaelic language feature film. Sgurr Dearg acts as the focus of events in film about folklore and storytelling. Eilean Iarmain and Elgol also used as backdrops.
Stardust – Loch Coruisk was also featured in the flying boat scenes with Captain Shakespeare as scenic backdrop.

How to get there:

The Cuillin can be seen from the roadside, making the drive along the island’s roads absolutely spectacular. Enjoy some of the best roadside views on the journey from Broadford to Elgol.

It’s from Elgol where you can take a boat trip to Loch Coruisk, which lies at the heart of the Cuillin range. Many walkers take one of the boats to the loch and then start their hike through the Cuillin, or you could just explore the surrounding landscape for a couple of hours before returning to Elgol by boat.

In addition, you could explore the Cuillin on foot with the help of an experienced mountain guide. Companies such as Skye Guides or Skye Adventure can safely prepare and lead challenging climbs, ridge traverses, scrambles and walks.

The Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is as magical as it sounds – lush and verdant with curious conical hills, a small loch, an ancient ruined castle and unexplained fairy circles made of stones. Also known as Glen Conon, it’s not as grand in scale as the Quiraing or the Storr – this otherworldly glen is like a landscape in miniature.

As seen on screen:

Stardust – Fairy Glen was used in scenes in Stardust where Lamia meets another witch, Ditchwater Sal, at her caravan, and puts an enchantment on her which prevents her from seeing Yvaine, the fallen star.

How to get there:

The Fairy Glen is most easily reached by car. Located in the north of the island not far from Uig, Fairy Glen can be found along a single track road in between the villages of Sheader and Balnaknock.

Neist Point

Neist Point is the most westerly part of Skye. It’s defined by striking sea cliffs of jutting rock and is home to one of Scotland’s most-photographed lighthouses. You can follow a path to the lighthouse and enjoy a bracing coastal stroll.

As seen on screen:

Breaking the Waves (1996) – In this emotional drama by Lars Von Trier you can see the lighthouse in the scenes shot at the graveyard at the end of film. The Quiraing was also used as ‘chapter heading’ in the film.
47 Ronin – Skye doubles for late medieval Japan and Neist Point was used to portray the coastline of Western Japan.

How to get there:

The easiest way to get to Neist Point is with your own transport (or as part of a tour). If coming from Broadford it’s a 50 mile journey following the A87 north, before taking the A863 and the B884. Nest Point is approximately 30 miles from Portree heading north from the town on the A87 north before joining the A850 at Carbost. The final stage of the journey takes in the A863 and the B884.

Dunvegan Castle

Located in the north west of the island, Dunvegan Castle is the ancestral seat of Clan Macleod and has been inhabited by the same family for over 800 years. The castle is picturesquely set beside a sea loch, surrounded by formal gardens and a sprawling estate.

As seen on screen:

Made of Honor (2006) – In this romcom, part of which was set in Scotland, the Dunvegan Estate was used as scenic brackdrop. You might also recognise Portree and Kylerhea!

How to get there:

From Portree, it’s a 30 minute drive to Dunvegan following the A87 and the A850. Local buses also depart from Portree.

Take a boat trip to see the seal colony, wander through the gardens or discover a treasure trove of wonders within the castle wall on a tour.

Are you ready for a set-jetting adventure around one of the most scenic islands imaginable? Find more things to see and do, accommodation, travel information and more on the Isle of Skye. You can also discover other incredible cinematic locations across Scotland!