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Map celebrates the sites of Sunset Song

A number of Aberdeenshire locations which feature in the big-screen adaptation of Sunset Song, including Glen Tanar Estate, Fettercairn and Arbuthnott Church, are being highlighted in a new movie map produced by VisitScotland.

The national tourism organisation has teamed up with Metrodome, the film’s distributors, to produce the map, which will be available in VisitScotland Information Centres throughout the region and for download at www.visitscotland.com/films

Terence Davies’s acclaimed version of the classic tale by Aberdeenshire novelist Lewis Grassic Gibbon will get its Scottish premiere in Edinburgh today (Wednesday 11 November). This will be followed by screenings in Glasgow on Thursday 12 and Aberdeen on Friday 13 November.

As well as highlighting the filming locations, the publication also points visitors in the direction of the Grassic Gibbon Centre in Arbuthnott and other locations with a connection to the novel. It also provides details on the author and explains why Sunset Song continues to be compulsive reading.

Agyness Deyn, who has been nominated in the Most Promising Newcomer category in the British Independent Film Awards, stars as Chris Guthrie – a woman driven by an intense passion for life. The film also stars Kevin Guthrie and Peter Mullan.

Filming locations featured on the Sunset Song map include:

  • Glenmuick Estate, near Ballater – where the standing stones were created
  • Fettercairn – Chris and Ewan meet amid a flock of sheep running through the village
  • Glen Tanar Estate, near Aboyne – Chris studies at the old school house
  • Arbuthnott Church – the family attend regular services here along with the villagers

Filming also took place at Invercauld Estate and Ballogie Estate.

Philip Smith, VisitScotland’s Regional Director for Aberdeen City & Shire, said:

“It is wonderful that the beauty of rural Aberdeenshire has been captured on film in Sunset Song. Our locations map will allow visitors to explore these amazing landscapes and also learn more about the region that inspired one of this country’s most enduring works of literature.

“Aberdeenshire’s stunning film locations are truly coming to the fore. Not only do they play a key role in our new publication Set in Scotland: A Film Fan’s Odyssey but, with upcoming titles such as Victor Frankenstein and Whisky Galore also being filmed here, the region’s cinematic stock is continuing to rise, making it an even more popular destination among set-jetters.”

Councillor David Aitchison, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Service Committee, said:

“The council was thrilled to support the making of Sunset Song in Aberdeenshire, and it is wonderful that the film is soon to appear in cinemas around the world.

“The film will act as a window to our beautiful natural heritage, showcasing and promoting our region as a tourist destination to a brand new audience. From the Cairngorms to the Mearns, our dramatic mountains, sweeping farmland, and traditional granite villages are undoubtable show-stoppers – I would encourage both locals and tourists to take a closer look at Aberdeenshire.”

Aberdeenshire Council’s Film Officer, Marie Archer, said:

“We worked with the Sunset Song production team, initially working with location managers to source beautiful Aberdeenshire locations for filming and to identify technical crew bases. As the production progressed, we were able to support local people to become involved as extras, with over 60 local people being hired including as runners and local plant hire being utilised.

“Our role is to work with producers and our local communities to make sure productions run smoothly - and whether it is location finding, casting or organising road closures for a production company we will work with them to make it happen.

“My message to future film-makers is to get in touch and it will be lights, camera and action, in beautiful Aberdeenshire.”

Sunset Song is released nationwide on December 4.

The Sunset Song map will be available in VisitScotland Information Centres throughout Aberdeenshire; at locations featured on the map and for download at www.visitscotland.com/films

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