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Filming on John Muir Trust land

All you need to know about filming on John Muir Trust property

Ben Nevis Cubby - Wild in Me - LWImages

The John Muir Trust is the UK’s leading wild places charity. We own some spectacular areas of wild land, which people visit, live and work on. We work to conserve the landscape and wildlife at these sites while facilitating access to and enjoyment of them. Additionally, people and communities live and work on the land we manage. All these aspects must be considered when looking to film on Trust land.

We ask all commercial filming to complete a filming enquiry form so we can assess the relative impact of the filming project on people and wildlife. 

John Muir Trust locations:

Amateur photography

Amateur photography and filming using small hand-held equipment (including mobile phones) is welcomed at the John Muir Trust sites.

Commercial photography and filming

John Muir Trust sites form open countryside where public rights of access apply under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Some types of commercial photography and filming may be carried out within those rights. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which interprets the Land Reform Act, gives some guidance on filming in areas where public rights of access apply.

For properties located in England please adhere to the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000.

If you are looking to film on John Muir Trust sites, please complete a filming enquiry form so we can assess the relative impact of the filming project on people and wildlife. 

Filming fees

Please note that where filming is not directly linked to the cultural or natural heritage of the region, we have the following filming fees:

  • Photography & Filming (cast and crew of less than 3 people)
    Daily rate: £1,000  (per 8hr day)
  • Photography & Filming (cast and crew between 3-10 people)
    Daily rate: £2,000  (per 8hr day)
  • Photography & Filming (cast and crew of 10+ people)
    Daily rate: from £3,000  (per 8hr day)
  • Drone usage: £250
  • John Muir Trust staff time: £350

Special discounted rates may be applied for wildlife filming or filming linked to the promotion of the John Muir Trust

Drones

All drone activity must be given consent by the John Muir Trust. 

Commercial filming with a drone may be granted permission depending on location, wildlife impacts and sufficient insurance and license.

Some properties do not permit drone usage during nesting seasons or may have specific drone restrictions due to popularity with hill walkers and the impacts of drone flying on wildlife. Please note, that drone use is not allowed on Sandwood.

Useful websites and links: 

Hidden Scotland: Guide to drone photography in Scotland

Neighbouring landowners

For information about filming at different locations in Scotland, or neighbouring landowners, please contact the Highlands of Scotland Film Commission who may be able to support:

t: +44 (0) 1463 702 955
e: film.commission@highland.gov.uk

For information about filming in England please visit Filming in England who may be able to support. 

t: +44 (0)20 8324 2311 
e: production@creativeengland.co.uk