Scottish literature
Scottish writing has a distinguished position in the pantheon of world literature, through the Scottish poets, novelists, short story writers, philosophers, screenwriters, playwrights, storytellers, historians and biographers.
- A history stepped in literature
From heroic epics to poignant tragedy, early Scottish literature was dominated by poetry and in particular, John Barbour (c. 1320-1395), Scottish poet and the first major named literary figure to write in Scots.
–Perhaps the best known figure in Scottish Literature internationally is Robert Burns (1759-1796), whose work is celebrated worldwide with Burns Suppers on 25 January each year. Regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, Burns' work includes A Red, Red Rose, Tam O'Shanter and Ae Fond Kiss, not to mention Auld Lang Syne which is sung at Hogmanay.
–Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), recognised in Europe as the creator of the modern historical novel, was the first British novelist to become a famous public figure, pioneering a new type of romantic historiography. His novels, ballads, poems and other writings have been translated into almost every major world language and the world's largest monument to an author sits in Edinburgh, commemorating this Scottish author's life and work.
- Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature
In October 2004 Edinburgh became the very first UNESCO City of Literature. No surprise as the city has inspired over 500 novels, ranging from R. L. Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde to Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting. Edinburgh hosts the world's largest International Book Festival every August and offers many literary tours year round.
Edinburgh International Book Festival
Scottish film- Scottish Film Industry
Stunning mountains, rugged landscapes, gothic castles and unspoilt wilderness –it's no wonder the Scottish film industry attracts some of the world's leading filmmakers and television producers.
Few places are as photogenic as Scotland –home to the UK's highest mountains, deepest lochs, largest tracts of forest and, of course, buzzing cosmopolitan cities. It's a climate many creative minds finds alluring.
Scotland's film industry has evolved dramatically over the last decade and now boasts a cinematic repertoire which attracts some of the biggest names in the business including productions featuring Brad Pitt, Scarlett Johansson and Daniel Craig.
From action packed thrillers, rib-tickling comedies or boutique art house films, Scotland has been the setting for an eclectic range of productions. In short, this country has a thriving film and television scene which continues to place Scotland centre stage when it comes to the silver screen.
- Scottish filming locations
Scotland enjoys and enviable wealth of easily accessible filming locations situated a short drive from each other. From a base in Edinburgh and Glasgow, producers can choose from gritty modern urban scenes, to centuries-old castles to rural untouched wilderness.
The abundance of quiet roads set in picturesque surroundings also make Scotland an attractive proposition to many car advertisers. And with the longest daylight hours in the UK (up to 18 hours of daylight in the summer months), there is the golden opportunity of more shooting hours per day.
The settings for filming in Scotland are undeniably breathtakingly beautiful: from the haunting beauty of Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Midlothian which featured in Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code to the visually stunning Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands which set the backdrop for the children's classic, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Rosslyn Chapel (Da Vinci Code)
As a result of the versatility and accessibility of its filming locations, Scotland has provided the setting for a number of high profile films over the last few years including Fast and furious, Cloud Atlas, The Dark Knight Rises and the latest in the Bond franchise, Skyfall.
- Famous Scottish actors
Scotland boasts a number of homegrown talents who have become international stars. To name a few: Gerard Butler, Sean Connery, Tilda Swinton, Ewan McGregor, Kevin MacKidd, James McAvoy, Kelly McDonald, etc.
Ewan McGregor
