DISAPPOINTMENT: Duntrune Castle in Mid Argyll may not be used in the filming of the new James Bond film Skyfall after all
It was a case of “Oh Oh no” rather than 007 for an Argyll community when it was discovered that it is unlikely that the new James Bond movie will be filmed there after all.
The film-makers visited Mid Argyll on Tuesday to deliver the blow.
The end scenes of Skyfall – starring actor Daniel Craig as the famous special agent – were due to be filmed at Duntrune Castle on Poltalloch Estate, near Lochgilphead, in February next year.
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James Bond movie bosses change mind about filming at Scots castle
Filmmakers U-turn on plans to shoot scenes of new Skyfall film starring Daniel Craig in Argyll.
By Leanna MacLarty
17 November 2011 11:33 GMT
Makers of the upcoming James Bond film starring Daniel Craig have abandoned plans to film at a Scots castle.
Duntrune Castle near Lochgilphead in Argyll had been inundated with visits from staff before shooting began on Skyfall in February.
But owner Robin Malcolm was told that film bosses had changed their mind on holding the shoot at the historic venue earlier this week.
Eon Productions locations manager Russell Lodge made a personal visit to the castle to deliver the bad news.
Around 200 cast and crew were expected to descend on the castle in February for filming.
Mr Malcolm said parts of the original Bond film, From Russia With Love, had been filmed in the area in 1963 and he had been looking forward to a return of the franchise.
He said: "We were as surprised as anyone when they said 'No it's all off'.
"I particularly feel sorry for hoteliers and tradesmen in the area who were looking forward to a prosperous New Year. For myself I am very sorry I won't see Judi Dench.
"For the past three months they have been sending people up here in increasing numbers to look around. Last time we had 50 people having lunch in our kitchen."
He added: "We had heard about a week beforehand that they were thinking of changing the venue in Scotland but he came up and confirmed it. He was extremely embarassed.
"I think they would like to keep a Scottish dimension in the film, but where they do that is up to them. You win some, you lose some."
There's a rumour going round that this is just a ruse to deter gawkers. Maybe Sam Mendes will dress up as a ghost to scare people off (and he'd have gotten away with it too if it hadn't been for those meddling kids and their snooping dog).
"He's the one that doesn't smile" - Queen Elizabeth II on Daniel Craig
It will never work if they are trying to put people off the sent as soon as they think about showing up so many people are involved its blown. If all this is is misdirection whoever they are trying to keep away will be there before they shot anyway. They are probably filming Scotland at Pinewood.
Chief of Staff, 007's gone round the bend. Says someone's been trying to feed him a poisoned banana. Fellow's lost his nerve. Been in the hospital too long. Better call him home.
SO DANIEL Craig, aka agent 007, aka James Bond, will not be sipping his dry martini, shaken not stirred, in Dutrune Castle and environs after all. Just two weeks ago it was reported that Bond and a large Holywood production crew would be descending on the castle near Lochgilphead to film part of Skyfall, the 23rd Bond movie.
Skyfall? It was more like Downfall when the film location manager called in to say there has had been a change of plan. The production team has now cancelled hotel bookings and the castle’s owner has been told not to expect secret agents any time soon.
Given these extremely difficult times for tourism, hoteliers were delighted when the news first broke that some of the film was to be shot locally, bringing the prospect not just of good business but a sprinkling of glamour and excitement. Tales would be told for years of astonishing stunts, James Bond himself relaxing in the lounge bar with a glamorous entourage – and hordes of camera crew and extras filling the hotels and bars for weeks.
Alas, no more. A case of Live and Let Down? Never Say Never Again? Or my word is not my Bond any more?
But at least Lochgilphead will be spared visitations from baddies such as Mr Big, Rosa Klebb and the unforgettable Jaws.
"Those were the days when we still associated Bond with suave, old school actors such as Sean Connery and Roger Moore,"
"Daniel didn't have a hint of suave about him," - Patsy Palmer
