“Thousands of jobs” as one of biggest film studios in Scotland announced – Prolific North

Thousands of jobs are expected to be created, with the creation of Stirling Studios.

Based on former MoD land at Forthside, the studios will be one of the biggest film campuses in the country.

“In a previous role as Director of Creative Industries for Scottish Development International, I knew there was still an opening for more production space in Scotland,” explained Chief Executive Carol Beattie.

“At that point, I spent time in London speaking to the British Film Commission and studio operators such as Pinewood, Three Mills and Warner Brothers to understand the specifications of a good site. 

“When I saw the unique buildings and location at Forthside, I considered it to be a fantastic fit, which has since been confirmed through our close consultation with the industry, including Screen Scotland.” 

An independent economic impact assessment has estimated the project will create over 4,000 jobs in 25 years.

“Stirling Studios brings one of those rare moments in Stirling’s history which offers the potential to be truly transformational.  We have an opportunity to embed an industry in our city which will bring thousands of high-skilled jobs, put us on a global creative map and deliver a significant economic boost to the region over many decades,” added Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Chris Kane.

“By making innovative use of the existing buildings on a former military site, we are creating a studio campus that will provide everything film producers need to meet demand in a thriving sector.  

“Students in our schools, our college and our University will be able to pursue creative careers right here in Stirling that in the past would have meant having to consider leaving to chase opportunities elsewhere.  

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in getting us to this point.  We are determined to seize the moment for the people of Stirling and realise the rewards of this ambitious project.”  

The former MoD land has been transferred to the Council through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – a £214 million partnership between Stirling and Clackmannanshire Councils, the University of Stirling and the UK and Scottish Governments. 

It’s been supported by repurposing a proportion of the £19m grant secured by the council from UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund for the redevelopment and regeneration of Forthside.

Rather than demolishing and clearing all of the existing buildings on the MoD land as previously intended, some of these will be retained and refurbished for the film and high-end TV campus. 

Those behind the development said there’s currently 100,000 sq ft of studio space and 110,000 sq ft for production, logistics and office space at the site. 

“The Stirling site’s location and ready potential for conversion into a studio are both exceptionally promising. Scotland has recently seen significant growth in productions looking to access its internationally recognised cast and crew, as well as its versatile natural and built environments,” said Isabel Davis, Executive Director of Screen Scotland.

“This new site will only add to Scotland’s considerable offering as a filming destination. Working with Stirling Council on this over the last few months, we have been very encouraged by the visionary approach that the team there have taken to get to this stage, including the opportunity to grow the local crew base. We look forward to continuing to work with them towards the realisation of the project.”