Edinburgh North & Leith MP Deidre Brock has called for the disused Pelamis Building in Leith docks to be converted into film studios and production facilities.
The call comes as the Scottish Government announces plans to support more permanent facilities for local, UK and international productions in Scotland, with private investors already seeking consent for new studio facilities in Cumbernauld.
Ms Brock said: ““From Outlander to Skyfall, there’s been a massive rise in filming in Scotland recently. We have top-notch locations, top-notch talent and now we need to expand the permanent studio facilities to back it up. Leith is the perfect place and Pelamis is the perfect spot to make this happen.
“The Pelamis building is a generous space in the centre of Leith’s vibrant creative hub. There’s all the facilities of the capital on your doorstep, together with easy access to some of the finest locations in the land, whether urban grit or iconic landmarks are what’s required.
“Film and TV productions are not just direct job creators, they showcase Scotland to the world, driving growth in tourism and other sectors. It’s great that we have a forward-thinking Scottish Government which recognises the potential of this industry and is throwing its weight behind plans to improve the facilities we have.
“The Pelamis building was once home to world leading innovation in wave energy – a film studio would be a fitting way to re-appropriate these facilities. Let’s keep the momentum going and make Leith a major centre for the screen sector in Scotland.”
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