111902 Press

The cameras started rolling in Tomintoul yesterday as the village became the focus for what is hoped will become Scotland's latest blockbuster movie.

Around 70 actors and crew will spend the next fortnight mingling with locals during filming for the movie featuring Scots stars Dougray Scott and Kevin McKidd.

Their presence will provide a welcome economic boost for the village where November generally brings a lull between the summer tourist season and the winter skiing season.

Two hotels which normally close down their letting rooms for the winter, the Richmond Arms and the Gordon Arms, have stayed open to accommodate cast and crew.

The film - which has been given the working title The Bum's Rush - is a black comedy which follows the fortunes of three friends whose lives are changed forever when they accidentally strike gold in the Scottish hills.

As well as appearing in the movie, Dougray Scott - star of Mission Impossible II and Enigma - is also executive producer.

Kevin McKidd, who has appeared in a number of money-spinning films such as Trainspotting and Dog Soldiers, hails from Elgin where he began his acting career with Moray Youth Theatre.

The crew spent yesterday filming in the Main Street baker's and grocer's shop owned by Iain Birnie. He said the film team had taken over the shop for a couple of days.

"I know they have changed things around inside but exactly what they are doing I don't know," said Mr Birnie.

His wife Michele runs a bed-and-breakfast in the village and is fully booked for the next couple of weeks.

"All the B &Bs and holiday cottages are booked solid," she said. "It is welcome business at this time of year and it is good for the village."

Local minister the Rev. Sven Bjarnason said: "It is very good to see some activity in Tomintoul at this time of year.

"A lot of people of all ages are being used as extras for the film and the hotels are busy, which is bringing income to the village."

Mr Bjarnason added: "We hope that once the film comes out people will want to come to Tomintoul to see where it was made." Producer Anne Batz said the team was working to a very tight schedule but everything was going smoothly.

Many of the crew had already made a number of visits to Tomintoul and key members of the cast had been in the village since last week rehearsing.

"Everyone feels at home already," she said. "Tomintoul is a fantastic location and everyone in the village has been very helpful."