Film
Locations
The landscapes and buildings
of Dumfries & Galloway have been used in many different films over the
years. The one most associated with the area is ….
The Wicker Man (1973)
This cult film may have been made over 30 years ago,
but it still a huge following particularly since the film was re-edited into
a Director's Cut with "lost" scenes restored. Starring Edward Woodward (as Sergeant Howie) and
Christopher Lee (as Lord Summerisle) it was filmed
for the most part in Dumfries and Galloway. Only the opening scenes of the
port were filmed on the Isle of Skye. Craiglemine Cottage is just a few miles away from
many of the famous locations like the library, the cave through which
Woodward tries to escape and the cliff top on which the Wicker Man was burnt.
All the other locations are less than an hours drive away. While most of the cast were actors many of the
crowd scenes included local inhabitants who still live in the area - you
never know who might be standing next to you in the shop or pub. The Wigtown Arts Festival included a Wicker Man
event in April 2006 bringing Robin Hardy (the Director) and actress Ingrid
Pitt (who played the Librarian) back to Galloway. The finale to the weekend event was after a
screening of the Director's Cut of the film followed by the burning of a half
size Wicker Man lit by Robin Hardy. The event was filmed for the BBC "Coast "
series. The internet is full of sites on The Wicker Man. SW Scotland Screen Commission details day trips covering
many of the film's locations. It also lists other movies that have had scenes
film in Dumfries and Galloway. Scotlandthemovie
site includes film stills and present day pictures. Local artist Amanda Sunderland paints images
inspired by the Wicker Man. At her gallery on the Isle you can buy prints,
postcards and T shirts. Website - SunnySarah
Stumps Disappear Bad news for
Wicker Man fans – the wooden supports of the Wicker Man figure were stolen on
18th or 19th November 2006. There are no clues as to
who took them or where they went. Don't let the
loss of the stumps put you off visiting the area – they were just a tiny part
of the bigger Wicker Man story.
|
All that is left Image - BBC.co.uk Stumps
before 18th Nov |
