Falkirk Distillery makes cinematic debut
Lowland distillery Falkirk will make its silver screen debut this week as the fictional setting for a new film starring Scottish actors Brian Cox and Alan Cumming.
The whisky distillery, located near Polmont in Falkirk, Scotland, was selected as a key filming location for the film, called Glenrothan, which was directed by and stars Succession actor Cox.
Described by Cox as a “love letter” to Scotland, Glenrothan tells the story of two estranged brothers brought back together through family legacy and a shared connection to whisky.
The film showcases Scotland’s landscapes and traditions, with Falkirk Distillery playing a central role in bringing this story to life.
Filming took place over three days in March 2024, with the site transforming into the fictional Glen Nairn Distillery.
On-site filming locations included Falkirk’s warehouses, mash tun and still room.
Fiona Stewart, who co-founded the distillery and reintroduced whisky distillation to Falkirk in 2020 with her father, George, told The Spirits Business that “the distillery provided an ideal filming location due to its combination of traditional design and working distillery environment.
“The build incorporates classic features such as pagoda roofs, brick dunnage warehousing, and the original stills and mash tun. These elements can be seen throughout the film, with Falkirk Distillery providing a striking backdrop.
“Filming made use of both the still house for blending scenes and the distinctive warehouse where casks are matured.”
She added that the distillery’s location was “a key advantage for the production team, being within easy reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh, conveniently accessible from the M9.”
Prior to filming, extensive planning and scoping were undertaken to ensure the protection of sensitive production equipment and warehousing.
Stewart confirmed that at the time of filming, the distillery was in a silent period, “which helped minimise operational risks and allowed the crew to work efficiently on site.”
Stewart shared that the distillery “strikes a careful balance between heritage and modern craftsmanship. At its core are traditional ex-Caperdonich Distillery stills and mash tun, paired with contemporary stainless steel wash backs. All of our equipment has been fabricated by Forsyths Ltd, spanning different generations of the Forsyth family, which adds a meaningful continuity to the build.”
With screen tourism continuing to grow in popularity, Falkirk Distillery is well placed to welcome visitors inspired by the film, with tours available seven days a week, allowing guests to explore the same spaces seen on screen while experiencing the craftsmanship and character of a working Scottish distillery.
Tours can be booked via the distillery’s online system and include a guided experience with three drams of the distillery’s spirit, priced at £25 (US$34) per person.
Falkirk currently boasts three whiskies that are available in the shop and online: Falkirk single malt, and Kelpies single cask expressions, which are matured in Sherry and Bourbon casks.
Visitors can also enjoy these through the distillery’s self-pour experience in the shop.
Glenrothan will debut in cinemas across the UK this Friday (17 April).
To watch the official trailer, click below.
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