Film and TV producers spent a record £45.2 million shooting on location in Scotland last year, culture secretary Fiona Hyslop revealed today.

Ms Hyslop said the record high total - an increase of almost £12 million compared with 2013 - demonstrates a “growing appetite” from major film and high-end TV makers to use Scotland as a backdrop for their productions.

Last year’s figure stands at more than double the relatively modest £21.5 million spend in Scotland by the film and TV industry in 2010.

It underlines the growing importance of the film and TV industry to Scotland’s creative economy, backed by Creative Scotland’s support for films like the much-anticipated Sunset Song and Macbeth, The Legend of Barney Thomson, Sunshine on Leith, Under the Skin and Outlander.

Ms Hyslop said: “This rise in production spend is a strong indication that film producers have a growing appetite to base their productions in Scotland. With our stunning, iconic landscapes, rich culture and heritage and skilled and talented crew, the £45 million production spend total for 2014 demonstrates that producers around the world recognise that Scotland has much to offer.

“These productions generate significant income for Scotland through the use of Scottish talent, crews, locations, transport, accommodation and through the impact they have on tourism.

“The Scottish Government and our agencies are firmly committed to growing the economic impact of our screen sector and continuing to promote Scotland as a premier and competitive location to produce great films and TV shows – as underlined by the £162 million public funding awarded to the sector since 2007/08, during a period of tough budgets.

“But we recognise we need to do more. That is why this week I announced a new £1.75 million production growth fund to provide an additional incentive for major international productions to come to Scotland, as well as increasing funding available for Scottish productions. This builds on the £2 million Tax Credit Advance Facility I announced earlier this year and the £1 million Screen Skills Fund through which we are supporting training and skills development opportunities.”

Natalie Usher, screen director at Creative Scotland, added: “Alongside our partners in Government, we are firmly committed to supporting screen sector growth and promoting Scotland as a film-friendly nation with unique landscapes and competitive incentives.

“This is why the announcement this week of the £1.75m Production Growth Fund which, in addition to the existing UK Tax Credits, provides a further incentive to base a feature film and High End TV productions in Scotland, is a significant and welcome one.”