A ROW has erupted after a major Hollywood filming company has booted tourists out of some of Skye’s most famous tourist attractions for its latest production.
Amazon MGM’s upcoming Highlander reboot, which features Inverness-born Karen Gillan and Superman and The Witcher star Henry Cavill, is filming on the island and at Glen Nevis in Lochaber this month.
However, a row has broken out due to car parks at popular Skye tourist spots, including the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock, being reserved for film crews.
Tourists and locals alike have bemoaned the decision, with some questioning why such a large production has been allowed to close parts of the busy car parks.
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Some of the areas affected include Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, Old Man of Storr and Bride’s Veil Falls, with around half their spaces reserved for film crews between certain times on various days between April 15 and 17. Bride’s Veil car park is completely shut until April 21.
As first reported by The Press & Journal, some people have taken to social media to air out their grievances over the decision, claiming there had been no previous warning.
Stephen Plant wrote that “surely” Amazon MGM should “work their schedule around times” when tourists are less likely to be at the popular tourist spots.
He added: “Why should a commercial entity have priority over tourists who have spent their time planning a holiday on Skye, only to be told they can’t go there because some filming company has a right to film?”
Meanwhile, Mel Crescent said she is “one of those tourists” who will be impacted as she did not plan for the car park's availability to be reduced.
“I paid £700 for a cottage from next Wednesday for 3 days. Oh well, let’s hope we still find lots to do,” she said.
Patricia Mitchell added: “Tourists will love that, especially at the Storr, not!”
Meanwhile, others have hailed the production, suggesting it will help attract more tourists to Skye.
Iain Cumming said that he believes the Highlander reboot is “brilliant,” adding that “folk should stop whining”.
“There’s plenty other places to visit on Skye, there’s more to this island than the Storr and the Quiraing,” he said.
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“You’ll get more bedlam at the Fairy Pools on a summer’s day than you will compared to these places being shut for a few.
“If a film company wants to highlight our beautiful scenery for the big screen, contribute to the local economy as they frequently do then let them crack on.”
Russell Crowe, Djimon Hounsou, Dave Bautista, Marisa Abela and Max Zhang will all also star in the reimagining of the 1986 classic about a mysterious immortal Scottish swordsman battling others who aim to destroy the world.
Filming for Highlander was due to begin in September last year, but was postponed after one of the film’s leading actors, Cavill, suffered a leg injury in pre-production.
A Highland Council spokesperson told The Press & Journal: “We can’t share details of specific upcoming projects due to confidentiality, but we can confirm that the following car parks will be closed on the dates listed below and visitors should avoid these locations during those times.”
The carparks closed include:
- Kilt Rock / Mealt Falls Car Park: April 15-17
- Quiraing Car Park: April 16-17
- Storr Car Park: April 16-17
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