Film Locations
The landscapes and buildings of Dumfries & Galloway have been used in many different
films over the years. The one most associated with the area is ….
The Wicker Man (1973)
This cult film may have been made over 30 years ago, but it still a huge following
particularly since the film was re-edited into a Director's Cut with "lost" scenes restored.
Starring Edward Woodward (as Sergeant Howie) and Christopher Lee (as Lord
Summerisle) it was filmed for the most part in Dumfries and Galloway. Only the opening
scenes of the port were filmed on the Isle of Skye.
Craiglemine Cottage is just a few miles away from many of the famous locations like the
library, the cave through which Woodward tries to escape and the cliff top on which the
Wicker Man was burnt. All the other locations are less than an hour drive away.
While most of the cast were actors many of the crowd scenes included local inhabitants
who still live in the area - you never know who might be standing next to you in the
shop or pub.
The Wigtown Arts Festival in April 2006 included a Wicker Man event bringing Robin
Hardy (the Director) and actress Ingrid Pitt (who played the Librarian) back to Galloway.
The finale to the weekend event was after a screening of the Director's Cut of the film
followed by the burning of a half size Wicker Man lit by Robin Hardy. The event was
filmed for the BBC "Coast " series.
The internet is full of sites on The Wicker Man.
SW Scotland Screen Commission details day trips covering many of the film's locations.
It also lists other movies that have had scenes film in Dumfries and Galloway.
Scotlandthemovie site includes film stills and present day pictures.
Local artist Amanda Sunderland paints images inspired by the Wicker Man. At her gallery
on the Isle you can buy prints, postcards and T shirts. The studio is near the end of the
harbour
2000 Acres of Sky (2002)
This popular TV series was set on a mythical island, it was in fact
filmed around the Mull of Galloway (the next peninsular from us).
The ferry was filmed at Port Partick and the island scenes at Port
Logan.
