When the Scottish Government decided to “call in” the decision on whether to give planning permission to a major new film studio on the outskirts of Edinburgh, it spoke of recognising the “potential economic and cultural benefits associated with this proposal to be of national importance”.
Midlothian Council’s failure to reach a decision on the £250m complex, followed by a recommendation by a Scottish Government reporter that it be thrown out, turned the scheme into a saga of blockbuster proportions.
But by giving the green light to the plan after years of inaction and wrangling, ministers have at last recognised the importance of the creative industries to Scotland’s economy.
The company behind the plan, PSL Land Ltd, is financed entirely through private money and expects to create 1,500 jobs. It now hopes the first facilities at a former farm site near Straiton will be operational by late 2018.
For many in the small but respected Scottish film industry this comes not a moment too soon. Supporters of the plan have talked for years of the importance of bringing together in one place creative and technical expertise, of having a base in a competitive global industry where being ready and able to jump at opportunities when they arise is imperative. They claim Scotland has already lost out on productions to the likes of Ireland.
The new hub ensures our talent base will not only be able to stay in Scotland, but grow and flourish.
Film productions make millions for an economy; The Avengers, currently shooting in Edinburgh, is expected to some attract £10m, while World War Z, starring Brad Pitt, made £3.5m for Glasgow in 2011. The new studio means Scotland will be able to attract more and bigger projects than ever before.
In this post-manufacturing age, Scotland is still reinventing itself. Culture and technology are two important strands of this. They come together in the film industry in a unique way, offering endless potential now and in the future.
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