BOLD plans to save one of Scotland’s most famous TV studios have been unveiled after the BBC announced it would close the facility following the shock decision to axe River City.
Dumbarton Studios has been described as a “vital hub” for Scottish television, helping to nurture local talent, and is the home to shows including Shetland, Still Game, Two Doors Down, and River City.
However, in March, BBC Scotland said it planned to close Dumbarton Studios when its lease for the facility ends in September 2026, following the news that it was axing its long-running drama River City.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of the studios, production firm Firewalker Pictures has unveiled its plans to safeguard Dumbarton Studios' legacy by taking over the facility and offering a new “vibrant home” for Scottish and international productions.
Maureen Hascoet, director of Firewalker Pictures, told The National that Dumbarton Studios has long been a cornerstone of Scotland’s creative industry and that “it deserves more than to fade into history”.
“Our vision is to preserve its heritage while opening the doors to fresh voices, emerging filmmakers, and groundbreaking content,” she said.
Hascoet (left) added: “Who we choose to be right now as an industry and how we show up in this deal will determine our destiny.”
“It’s about more than preserving Scotland’s film and tv infrastructure.”
“It's about investing in ourselves as storytellers and finding our place as leaders in the global economy.
Hascoet said that Firewalker Pictures plans to invest in upgrading the facilities, in a bid to ensure the studios remain a competitive and attractive location for both domestic and international productions.
She added that her firm is committed to working with the local community, industry partners, and government bodies to ensure that Dumbarton Studios continues to play a key role in Scotland’s cultural and economic future.
Hascoet stressed that the proposed acquisition is still in its early stages; however, Firewalker Pictures is engaging in ongoing discussions with the current owners of the site, Westerwood Properties.
The owner of the Edinburgh-based property firm Westerwood Properties previously told The National they would look at possibilities of developing a new building for the studio if BBC Scotland wanted to stay.
