ACTOR Brian Cox has backed ambitious plans to save one of Scotland’s most famous TV studios, saying it would be “a tragedy” for future generations if it were to close.
The Succession star said that plans to save Dumbarton Studios would be not just a chance to preserve a historic creative space, but to invest in the future of film and television in Scotland.
In March, BBC Scotland announced it would 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.
The studio has long been the home for numerous Scottish television shows, including the likes of Shetland, Still Game, and Two Doors Down, and also provided a space to help nurture local talent.
Earlier this month, The National revealed that bold plans to save Dumbarton Studios from “fading into history” were to be unveiled by the production firm Firewalker Pictures.
The National can now reveal that the veteran actor Cox has backed the ambitious plans, as he said that Scotland’s creative industry has always “punched above its weight” and that Dumbarton Studios has always played a “crucial role”.
He said: “Dumbarton Studios is more than just a building — it’s a vital part of Scotland’s creative infrastructure. For years, it has been home to some of our most beloved productions, providing not only jobs but also opportunities for storytelling that resonate around the world.
“To see it at risk would be a tragedy, not just for the industry, but for future generations of Scottish talent. That’s why I wholeheartedly support Firewalker Pictures in their effort to save and revitalize the studio."
Cox added: “This is a chance not just to preserve a historic creative space, but to invest in the future of film and television in Scotland.
“Scotland has always punched above its weight in the arts — Dumbarton Studios has played a crucial role in that. To lose it now would send the wrong message to the rest of the world.”
Firewalker Pictures said it plans to invest in upgrading the facilities at the studios, in a bid to ensure the space remains a competitive and attractive location for both domestic and international productions.
The firm said it was 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.
Maureen Hascoet (left), director of Firewalker Pictures, previously 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 added: “Who we choose to be right now as an industry and how we show up in this deal will determine our destiny.”
Firewalker Pictures said that saving the facility was more than just preserving Scotland’s film and TV infrastructure and that it is about “investing in ourselves as storytellers” and finding Scotland’s place as leaders in the global economy.
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.
