The dramatic coastline of Aberdeenshire and Moray has always looked as though it belongs on the big screen. With ruined castles balanced above the sea, historic harbours, sweeping beaches and landscapes that can feel wonderfully remote, it is easy to understand why filmmakers keep coming back.
The release of Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has placed the north-east of Scotland firmly in the spotlight once again. Several local landscapes were used to represent the ancient world of Homer’s story, proving that our stretch of the North Sea coast can convincingly stand in for somewhere far beyond Scotland.
Following The Odyssey
Filming for The Odyssey took place at Findlater Castle and Sunnyside Beach in Aberdeenshire, as well as Culbin Forest and Culbin Sands in Moray. Findlater Castle, sitting dramatically on the cliffs near Cullen, became the mythical island of Aeaea, home of the goddess Circe. Nearby Sunnyside Beach also appears in the film, while the combination of forest, dunes and shoreline at Culbin provided another suitably timeless landscape.
Aberdeenshire and Moray councils have created a map connecting the filming sites with nearby towns, attractions and walking routes. It is a lovely part of the coast to explore, whether you are interested in the film or simply enjoy discovering quieter corners of Scotland.
A day around the area might include:
- A walk to the viewpoint overlooking Findlater Castle
- Time in Cullen, perhaps with a bowl of Cullen skink
- A visit to Portsoy and its historic harbour
- A coastal walk towards Sunnyside Beach
- An afternoon exploring the forests and sands around Culbin
As always, take extra care near cliffs and check the weather and tide conditions before setting out.
Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils have created a fantastic Oddyssey map featuring the filming locations from The Odyssey, along with nearby attractions, walks and visitor information.
Pennan and Local Hero
Long before Hollywood arrived for The Odyssey, the small coastal village of Pennan had already become one of Scotland’s most recognisable film locations.
Pennan appeared as the fictional village of Ferness in the 1983 film Local Hero. The story follows an American oil company representative who travels to Scotland to buy a coastal village, only to find himself slowly charmed by the people and the landscape.
The village’s red telephone box became one of the best-known images from the film and still attracts visitors today.
Pennan is tiny, with a single road sitting between the cliffs and the sea, so it is best explored slowly and respectfully. Park only where permitted, leave access clear for residents and take some time to enjoy the harbour and the view rather than simply photographing the phone box and leaving.
To see what it was like during filming visit the Reelstreets page with clips and story information. In some ways, things are still the same today.
Portsoy: From Peaky Blinders to Whisky Galore!
Portsoy’s 17th-century harbour is one of the most atmospheric places on the Banffshire coast. Its old stone buildings and traditional harbour have made it particularly popular for period productions.
The harbour appeared in the 2016 remake of Whisky Galore! and was later transformed into Miquelon Island for the opening episode of the sixth series of Peaky Blinders. Cillian Murphy and other members of the cast filmed in Portsoy during early 2021, creating plenty of excitement in the town.
Even without the film connection, Portsoy is well worth visiting. Wander around the old harbour, look for the distinctive local Portsoy marble and stop for coffee or ice cream before continuing along the coast.
Castles Made for the Screen
Few locations are more cinematic than Dunnottar Castle. Standing on a rocky headland near Stonehaven, it has appeared in productions including Mel Gibson’s Hamlet and Victor Frankenstein.
Further north, the ruins of Slains Castle near Cruden Bay appeared in The Crown. Slains is also famously linked with Bram Stoker, who is believed to have drawn inspiration from the castle and the surrounding coastline while writing Dracula. Macduff also appeared in the fifth series of The Crown, with filming taking place there in 2021.
Away from the coast, Castle Fraser and Cluny Castle were used during the filming of The Queen, while the landscape around Mar Lodge appeared in the opening sequence of The Dark Knight Rises. Poldullie Bridge in Strathdon can also be spotted in Mary Queen of Scots.
Create Your Own North-East Film Trail
You do not need to be a dedicated film fan to enjoy these locations. They are also some of the most beautiful and interesting places in the region.
A relaxed coastal film trail could combine Pennan, Portsoy, Cullen and Findlater Castle, while another day could take in Stonehaven, Dunnottar Castle and the countryside of Royal Deeside.
What makes these locations special is that the scenery is not something created for the camera. The harbours, cliffs, castles and beaches are every bit as dramatic in real life — although we cannot promise that you will find Cillian Murphy or Matt Damon waiting when you arrive.
