Filming in Moray to be made easier in effort to boost screen tourism in region
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FILMING for film and television purposes is set to be made easier in Moray with the aim of boosting screen tourism.
Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee agreed on the decision this week on Tuesday, September 5.
Council buildings and structures can now be used for abseiling or similar activities, for film and television.
However, they can’t be used by other external organisations for those purposes but elected members have agreed to provide an exception for the filming industry, subject to conditions.
A report to the committee, quoting figures from Screen Scotland, said visitor expenditure for Scottish businesses as a result of screen tourism activities is £64.9 million a year.
Committee Chair, Councillor Marc Macrae (Conservative, Fochabers Lhanbryde), said: “Demand for filming on location, which makes use of sites around Moray, has increased, with a series of productions filmed on location in recent months.
"Many of us caught a glimpse of Covesea lighthouse in the last series of The Crown.
“The film and TV production sector supports jobs and livelihoods, including freelance crew and services that are integral to production such as hospitality and accommodation.
"It plays a major part in promoting the Moray region for economic and social development and attracting tourism and we should be doing what we can to boost this.”
A number of conditions apply, including the film company or corporate entity making the application to use council buildings or structures must instruct an independent survey indicating that the property is structurally safe and it will not be damaged by the proposed activity.
It is also a requirement that the filming company or corporate entity pay a non-refundable fixed fee to the council covering administration costs incurred in undertaking checks of the survey report and other paperwork.
