After all, if you were in charge of a film production company, why would you commit to building an expensive scale replica of an ancient fortress, when you could come to Scotland and have your actors experience the real deal?
From the memorable appearance of Doune Castle in Monty Python and the Holy Grail to the use of Craigmillar and Blackness castles in more recent epics, we take a look at 9 Scottish castles that have been made world famous by their inclusion in popular movies down the decades.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription at https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions.
5. Blackness Castle, Falkirk
If it wasn't for Blackness Castle, we'd probably have no Braveheart. Mel Gibson and Glen Close filmed here for the 1990 epic Hamlet. Blackness sure has a lot to answer for. Photo: Contributed
6. Craigmillar Castle, Edinburgh
It might not be as famous as Edinburgh's other castle, but what Craigmillar Castle lacks in picture postcard renown, it more than makes up for in the movie star stakes. You will recognise from television productions, including Outlander and Ivanhoe, but the castle also starred in the Netflix hit Outlaw King. Photo: Contributed
7. Tantallon Castle, East Lothian
Plenty of Scots castle have appeared in American movies, but how many can claim stardom in a Bollywood hit? Tantallon was used in Indian musical Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998). The castle also made an appearance in Under the Skin (2013), starring Scarlett Johansson. Photo: Contributed
8. Castle Fraser, Inverurie
Castle Fraser famously took centre stage in an episode of Most Haunted in 2009, but the supposedly cursed castle was also used as a filming location in The Queen (2006), staring Helen Mirren. Photo: Contributed