Filming in Glasgow: What's Been Made There?

Glasgow is more than Scotland’s largest city. It is also one of Europe’s favourite film sets. With its Gothic spires, grand squares, and gritty backstreets, the city has doubled as everywhere from 18th century Scotland to modern day Philadelphia. If you are a student here, you are walking daily through locations that millions have seen on screen.

Why Filmmakers Love Glasgow

Producers choose Glasgow because it is versatile. George Square can be redressed as downtown America, the Necropolis adds brooding atmosphere, and the University cloisters give period drama authenticity. The compact nature of the city ensures shoots are streamlined, meaning disruption to the locals’ lives is minimalised.

The Glasgow Film Office reports that over 400 productions are filmed in the city each year, ranging from student shorts to major blockbusters. In 2019 alone, filming in Glasgow generated over £15 million for the local economy, supporting jobs in catering, set design, and transport.

For producers, that combination of cinematic architecture and practical infrastructure makes Glasgow irresistible. For students, it means seeing your everyday streets transformed for the screen.

Outlander at the University of Glasgow

One of the most famous local examples is Outlander. In season one, the University of Glasgow’s Cloisters at the Main Building doubled as Harvard University. Claire and Frank Randall walk through the arches in the 1940s storyline, and if you study there, you can retrace their steps between lectures.

Seeing your campus on screen makes student life surreal. You might be heading to the library while tourists are busy photographing the same arches because of a scene you casually walk past every day.

Hollywood in George Square

The heart of Glasgow has been transformed more than once for Hollywood.

• World War Z (2013): George Square became Philadelphia during a zombie outbreak. Streets were lined with American police cars, yellow taxis, and extras fleeing chaos while Brad Pitt dashed through the action.
• Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023): The same square was re-dressed to look like New York during a ticker tape parade. Vintage bunting, American flags, and period cars created an authentic 1960s backdrop for Harrison Ford’s last dance as the iconic adventurer.
• The Batman (2022): Glasgow’s Gothic bridges and cathedral surroundings gave Gotham City its gloomy edge, especially during Batman’s motorcycle sequences.

Local Stories with Global Reach

While it’s great at standing in as other cities, Glasgow has also starred as itself (and other places in Scotland) in a range of local stories that took the world by storm.

• The Angels’ Share (2012): Ken Loach’s award winning film follows young people from Glasgow learning the art of whisky, with several scenes shot in the city centre.
• Red Road (2006): Filmed on the high rise estate in the north of the city, this drama captured a stark slice of Glaswegian life.
• Trainspotting (1996) and T2 (2017): While known as Edinburgh stories, key interiors were filmed in Glasgow studios, including the notorious “Worst Toilet in Scotland” scene.

Exploring Filming Locations as a Student

Living in Glasgow means you can visit any of the filming locations in the city whenever you like. Here’s a few of the highlights:

• George Square: Stand where Brad Pitt fought zombies or Harrison Ford paraded in Indy’s final adventure.
• Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis: Both featured in The Batman, providing the gothic tone of Gotham City.
• University of Glasgow Cloisters: Stroll through Outlander’s “Harvard” arches and imagine the period costumes.
• Kelvingrove Park: A popular filming backdrop, often used in TV dramas for its mix of greenery and city views.

For deeper insights into Glasgow’s film economy, you can check VisitScotland’s regional research.

Why Filming Enhances Student Life

Knowing these locations gives you a fresh perspective on everyday life. Watching World War Z and then standing in George Square makes the city feel alive with stories. Discussing your favourite Glasgow film moments is an easy way to connect with classmates. For film or media students, the city itself becomes a case study in set design, cinematography, and storytelling.

Discover More Beyond the Screen

Glasgow offers culture well beyond filming. From live gigs to food markets and galleries, the city is bursting with creativity. You can make the most of it all while studying here.

Discover everything Glasgow has to offer students and start exploring the city’s cinematic and cultural treasures.

Final Thoughts

From Outlander in the cloisters to Harrison Ford’s escapades in George Square, filming in Glasgow is everywhere. The city’s ability to attract global productions while celebrating its own stories makes it a cultural powerhouse.

So next time you watch a film, look closely. That Gothic skyline or bustling square might just be your new student city.