Scotland’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading filming destinations has prompted fresh calls for the next era of Doctor Who to be based in Glasgow.
The proposal follows the BBC’s decision to put production of the iconic science fiction series out to competitive tender as it prepares for the programme’s next chapter.
Scottish Green councillor Anthony Carroll and MSP Patrick Harvie believe moving Doctor Who north of the border could bring long term jobs, training opportunities and investment to Scotland’s screen industry following the closure of River City.
The suggestion comes at a time when Scotland’s film and television industry continues to go from strength to strength.
Glasgow has become one of Britain’s busiest production centres, hosting around 140 productions during 2024, while major international projects have increasingly chosen Scottish locations.
The Highlands have also enjoyed a starring role on the big screen in recent years, with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming epic The Odyssey filming at locations including Findlater Castle, Culbin Forest and Sunnyside Beach.
The region has also welcomed productions including James Bond, Supergirl and scenes from The Dark Knight Rises, highlighting Scotland’s ability to stand in for locations around the world.
Elsewhere, Ardross Castle has become internationally recognised through The Traitors, while Edinburgh featured heavily in Netflix’s hit series Dept. Q.
Screen Scotland estimates productions beginning principal photography during the first half of 2024 generated around £194 million in production spending, underlining the growing importance of the industry to Scotland’s economy.
Anthony Carroll said:
“Glasgow has many police boxes already on its streets, it’s time we see another added.
“This time, it will be one that can help make Glasgow the beating heart, or two, of the television production industry in Scotland, providing vital opportunities to the sector.
“Scotland has had four actors play the Doctor on camera, now we should bring the local talent behind the camera, into the world’s longest running sci-fi TV show.”
Patrick Harvie said:
“The BBC has been under pressure to show commitment to Glasgow and Scotland, after controversial changes including recent redundancies in journalism and the loss of River City.
“Now that they are deciding what the next regeneration of Doctor Who will look like, there could not be a better time for Glasgow to make our case to be the new home of the Doctor.
“Glasgow has already doubled for cities across space and time, with productions from Spider Man to Indiana Jones filmed right on our doorsteps.
“Our city has shown that it already has everything needed to bring the Doctor here.
“We have the locations, facilities, creativity and local talent.
“What we need is a commitment from the BBC to secure this production opportunity.
“It would give our screen sector the kind of boost that Doctor Who did for Wales.
“The next time the TARDIS lands, it should land in Glasgow.”
A BBC economic impact study found that Doctor Who contributed around £134.6 million to the Welsh economy between 2004 and 2021, with researchers also crediting the series with helping transform South Wales into one of the UK’s leading centres for high end television production.
