BBC One’s The Traitors has filmed both its UK and US series of the programme at Ardross Castle and in the wider Highland region since the shows began. Screen Highland managed to get an exclusive interview with Studio Lambert who produce the show to tell all on what filming the series in Highland has been like.
What made the Highlands the perfect backdrop for the Traitors? And what made you choose Ardross castle? The scenic beauty. From its castles and wildlife, to its lochs & waterfalls, heather-covered mountains and the vast natural greenery, it’s the perfect backdrop to showcase the Scottish Highlands. Claudia Winkleman said recently: ‘I thought I’ve been to beautiful places. I have never been anywhere more beautiful than the Scottish Highlands in my life.” Our main location is the iconic Ardross Castle. The impressive rural estate features over 100 acres of sprawling parkland including its own river, woodlands and vast gardens within its grounds. It is the perfect setting for The Traitors and with it being such a large production, privacy, space and a variety of filming locations is required and provided here. It not only has history but it stature has an element of mystery which along with its overwhelming beauty is a no brainer of a location choice.
How do you find the local Highland community whilst filming? Have you managed to work with local businesses during your filming? Aside from seeing the natural beauty every day, the support given from the wonderful neighbours, filming locations and many local companies is second to none. With us being a large crew, Inverness and the surrounding areas can’t escape us, the Highland community are certainly aware when we are in town! From us creating traffic to the usually somewhat-isolated rural areas and taking over many hotels and restaurants, to the increasing requests of location amenities and services, the local community continue to welcome us with a friendly nature and show support for us making the series. Despite the show helping the Highlands tourism for longer-term endeavours, the production is a collective effort and we are very thankful to everyone from Screen Highland and forestry commissions, local businesses and all the locations who really who maximize our potential and facilitate our ambitious activities.
What advice would you give to other productions interested in filming in the Highland region? Don’t hesitate, get in touch with Screen Highland and let them assist you in preparing your Production filming at iconic locations. Enjoy every filming day taking in the breathtaking natural beauty.
What has been the experience of working with young trainees on the production and would you recommend this to others? With Traitors being such a large Production, we have several schemes that encourage young trainees on the Production in the roles of Runners and Assistant Producers. With the Creative Scotland and the BBC partnership, the common purpose is to support a vibrant, world-class Scottish television industry that excels in the production of a diverse range of content, including ambitious projects which reflect Scottish culture and are enjoyed by audiences in Scotland, the UK and internationally. This is something that really applies with The Traitors Production and it’s something that we’ve had a great experience with and would recommend to others.