Selkirk firm's tartan triumph on the red carpet
David Knox • Published 3 Jul 2012 09:30
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IT is likely to become the biggest big-screen tourism boost for Scotland since Braveheart. And a Borders firm are helping weave some of the movie magic which is expected to bring visitors from all over the world.
Animated adventure, Brave, premiered in the US at the weekend to rave reviews from both film-goers and critics. The tale of a 10th Century Scots princess who defies her sex and youth to take on evil spirits already has tourism bosses gearing up for an invasion.
And Selkirk-based Lochcarron of Scotland enjoyed its first of many starring roles on the Holywood red carpet during last weekend's world premier. Scots Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis, who performs two songs on the film's soundtrack, wore a stunning Loch Ness tartan dress at the global launch of the Disney Pixar production.
Designer Sandra Murray MBE has created a series of eye-catching Lochcarron tartan dresses for Julie to wear on her red carpet appearances at the various premieres around the globe. Sandra Murray told the Border Telegraph: "The garments were created in close collaboration with Julie, who loves beautiful fabrics but whose preference is for understatement.
"This has been an incredible project to work on - I've always been inspired by the Scottish Highland landscape and my designs embody that."
Lochcarron are no strangers to Hollywood - having already created several tartan tie-ins for movies, including Shrek five years ago. But this latest project, which features the voices of Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane and Kelly Macdonald, is expected to be its biggest tartan triumph with forecasts suggesting a £140 million tourism boost. Brave will be shown in 72 countries across the world.
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said: "The pictures are stunning and America's going daft for this movie. The first thing I saw when I flew into Los Angeles was a great big billboard for Brave and we hadn't even landed.
"I think the really special thing is how the Scottish character is depicted and the acting talent have done such a wonderful job to explore that."
Brave opens in UK cinemas during August.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 03 Jul 12
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