HOW DALKEITH MAY BECOME A UNIVERSITY TOWN AND BE ON THE WORLD FILM MAP

Imagine the scene: Dalkeith as an inspirational University town right in the heart of Midlothian Region. Take two – Why this proposal, if accepted may be a great asset to Scotland and the world on many levels.

I popped along to the planning consultation today for the proposed film studio development at Salters to gain information and insight into how this project will happen and what it means for the Film Industry and the local community.

Visually the plans are very elaborate, well explained and accessible. There is quite a large turn out and people are interested. I spoke with Norman Reid, the Director of Edinburgh Caledonia Film Studios Ltd as I have a few questions of my own in relation to the Film Industry, education and what the plans mean for locals.

He explains that there is a great sense of enthusiasm and interest in the plans for the potential Salters based film studio. It would attract many very established and influential companies from all over the world – particularly America. I enquire about how this could involve the local community, not only in terms of jobs created in the building of it but actually within the creative arts sector. He agrees that of course as a Scottish based Film Studio the aim is to attract Scottish talent as well as outside and overseas production companies.

We discuss Education and I mention an article encouraging the school system to make Film Making a part of the curriculum for young pupils. We approach the subject of the Film Academy and Napier University. Mr Reid reveals that Dalkeith could be a flourishing University town and makes a comparison to a similar Film Studio in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Personally I am convinced that the project could be a huge benefit to the area – in terms of employment, economy and industry. Are the residents of Dalkeith ready to become part of an area which will be known for its World class Film making studio? However let’s not add too much glamour to the plans as there may be draw backs too. There could be higher levels of traffic and what if the project does not meet expectations? Mr Reid expresses that he has every confidence the project will succeed and be pivotal for Scotland’s film industry expansion.

photo Paula Smith

Mr Reid states “ We are committed to working closely with the local authorities /groups and the local residents to develop the proposals in a way as to eradicate or at least dilute, as far as possible, any concerns which may arise and this public consultation represents the first step in that process”

As a local, a mother and as someone with an interest in creative development for Midlothian I feel a great sense of optimism about the proposed plans. Hopefully all the people/organisations involved in this huge life changing development for the area will have local residents at the heart of it – and not only for the manual construction but to be actually involved in the Film Making process and outcome. So – Lights, camera and action for Dalkeith? Time will tell.