Time for the TARDIS to land in Glasgow
The next era of Doctor Who should be based and filmed in Glasgow, bringing long-term jobs, training and investment to Scotland’s screen sector, say Scottish Green councillor Anthony Carroll, and Patrick Harvie MSP.
The BBC announced last month that it will put production of the iconic series out to competitive tender this year as it prepares for the programme’s next phase.
The call comes following the BBC’s decision to axe River City after 24 years and the subsequent demolition of its Shieldinch set, which had provided regular employment and a crucial training ground for generations of Scottish actors and production workers.
Scottish Green councillor for Dennistoun, Anthony Carroll, said:
“Glasgow has many police boxes already on its streets, it's time we see another added.
“This time, it will be one that can help make Glasgow the beating heart - or two - of the television production industry in Scotland, providing vital opportunities to the sector.
“Scotland has had four actors play the Doctor on camera, now we should bring the local talent behind the camera, into the world's longest running sci-fi TV show.”
Scottish Green MSP for Glasgow, Patrick Harvie said:
“The BBC has been under pressure to show commitment to Glasgow and Scotland, after controversial changes including recent redundancies in journalism and the loss of River City.
“Now that they are deciding what the next regeneration of Doctor Who will look like, there could not be a better time for Glasgow to make our case to be the new home of the Doctor.
“Glasgow has already doubled for cities across space and time, with productions from Spider-Man to Indiana Jones filmed right on our doorsteps.
“Our city has shown that it already has everything needed to bring the Doctor here. We have the locations, facilities, creativity and local talent. What we need is a commitment from the BBC to secure this production opportunity. It would give our screen sector the kind of boost that Doctor Who did for Wales.”
“The next time the TARDIS lands, it should land in Glasgow.”
NOTES:
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Glasgow has become a major destination for film and television, hosting 140 productions during 2024 and generating an estimated £33 million in local spending. Recent productions have included Shetland, The Buccaneers, Lockerbie: A Search for Truth, The Running Man and The Bombing of Pan Am 103, while the city’s streets have also been transformed for major Hollywood productions including Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
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Further across Scotland, The Traitors has turned Ardross Castle into a globally recognised location, while Netflix’s hit detective drama Dept. Q was based at Leith’s FirstStage Studios and filmed across Edinburgh for six months.
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Screen Scotland estimates that productions beginning principal photography in the first half of 2024 generated around £194 million in total production spending.
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A BBC economic-impact study found that basing the revived programme in Wales contributed approximately £134.6 million to the Welsh economy between 2004 and 2021, while generating £256 million across the UK. Research by Cardiff University’s Centre for the Creative Economy described Doctor Who as a catalyst that transformed South Wales into a major centre for high-end television, developing local crews, attracting further productions and supporting lasting investment in studios and post-production.