The release of a major Hollywood movie this week could lead to a monster rise in the number of visitors to one of Scotland’s most striking castles, according to the national tourism organisation.
VisitScotland says Dunnottar Castle’s starring role in 20th Century Fox’s Victor Frankenstein, which stars James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe, will inspire even more people to visit the historic Aberdeenshire property.
The Castle is no stranger to movie fame, previously serving as the chief inspiration for Merida’s family home in Disney-Pixar’s Brave in 2012 and also doubling as Elsinore in Franco Zefferrelli’s 1990 adaptation of Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson.
In 2013, Dunnottar was shortlisted for the title of ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ in a global competition organised by Virtual Tourist.
In a dynamic and thrilling twist on Mary Shelley’s legendary tale, radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences.
The beach beneath the castle also features in the sci-fi horror, as do Glen Callater and Loch Callater, with the crew staying at the Deeside Inn during production.
Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “Dunnottar Castle’s awe-inspiring clifftop setting is a magnet for film-makers and visitors alike. Set-jetting, where people visit the shooting locations of their favourite movies, is big business, so Dunnottar’s role in Victor Frankenstein is further great news for a fantastic visitor attraction which also features in our new film locations guide – Set in Scotland: A Film Fan’s Odyssey. I’m sure its thrilling role in Victor Frankenstein could lead a monster rise in visitor numbers.”
Jim Wands, Custodian at Dunnottar Castle, said: “All the staff here are excited to see our beautiful Castle on the big screen. The film trailer features a quick shot of it, and the stunning location really adds to the dark atmosphere of the film. We are sure it will bring many visitors to ‘Frankenstein’s Castle’ and to the wider Stonehaven area.”
Councillor David Aitchison, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said:
“The benefits of this film to Aberdeenshire are wide-ranging. From the attraction of tourists to Dunnottar Castle and the wider Stonehaven area to building on the momentum of films set in the area and supported by the council’s film officer.
“The Frankenstein film and book have strong links to Scotland through the locations as well as through author Mary Shelley, who lived in Dundee. All of this should be celebrated and the VisitScotland film guide, Set in Scotland, does this in a unique way by promoting links to films and areas so people can enjoy a cultural and cinematic tour. In Aberdeenshire you can search for a local hero in Pennan, see the ‘sun set’ in Fettercairn and now visit a castle where Frankenstein was brought to life then retire from any monstrous activity to the warmth of our communities.”
The release of Victor Frankenstein further cements Aberdeenshire’s strong ties with Gothic fiction, with the Cruden Bay castles of Ecclesgreig and New Slains said to have inspired Bram Stoker during the writing of Dracula.
Victor Frankenstein is released in cinemas throughout the UK on Thursday, December 3. To view the trailer, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvESrJ5GdHc
To view Set in Scotland: A Film Fan’s Odyssey, go to:
http://www.visitscotland.com/about/arts-culture/films/locations