Plans to save BBC Scotland's Dumbarton Studios unveiled
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.
READ MORE: Scottish crew 'excluded from Spider Man 4 filming in Glasgow'
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.'
(Image: Tatjana Tischler)
'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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
3 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Tributes pour after Glasgow comedian Gary Little's death
Gary Little, who was well known within the stand-up circuit, has died - it was announced today. READ NEXT: Exact date when Cineworld Glasgow will close its doors REVEALED (Image: Image of Gary Little) The comedian was set to perform at the Glee Club in Glasgow this weekend. Announcing the news on Facebook, Glee Club Glasgow wrote: "We're completely shocked and heartbroken to hear about the passing of our dear friend, Gary Little. "Gary wasn't just one of Scotland's finest comedians, he was a true original. He had a huge heart, a razor sharp sense of humour, and a knack for making you feel like you'd known him forever. He could make an entire room feel like they were sitting with an old friend. He played our opening weekend, and was a permanent fixture at the venue ever since. "Gary was due to perform with us this weekend and it's difficult to put into words how much we will miss his presence, his humour and his friendship. We are deeply grateful for the years of memories, the countless laughs, and the privilege of working with him. There really was nobody else like him. We'll miss him more than we can say. "Rest easy Gary and thank you for every single laugh." READ NEXT: Former SPFL and Partick Thistle star dies aged 58 Tributes have now poured in for the star on social media. Taking to X, fellow Glasgow comedian Ray Bradshaw wrote: "Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of Gary Little. A literal giant of the Scottish comedy scene. "I lived with him two years in a row Australia. He was a wonderful man and helped me so much over the years. This is my favourite photo of him. Sent it to him every birthday." Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of Gary Little. A literal giant of the Scottish comedy scene. I lived with him two years in a row Australia. He was a wonderful man and helped me so much over the years. This is my favourite photo of him. Sent it to him every birthday — Ray Bradshaw (@comedyray) August 15, 2025 Chris Forbes, Scottish actor and comedian said: "Sometimes The Fringe can feel all consuming and important. But then you hear news like today which puts everything into perspective. "Absolutely devastated and shocked. A truly great comic, a great man and a great great loss. My thoughts are with his family and friends RIP Gary Little." Sometimes the fringe can feel all consuming & importsnt. But then you hear news like today which puts everything into perspective. Absolutely devastated & shocked.A truly great comic, a great man & a great great loss. My thoughts are with his family & friends ❤️ RIP Gary Little — Chris Forbes (@Chris__Forbes) August 15, 2025 Meanwhile, comic Mark Nelson said: "I'm utterly devastated to lose one of my friends and heroes today. I was in awe of Gary Little. His gift for story telling and command of an audience. "I am so glad to have known you and thank you for the kindness you showed me, Amy and the kids. I will miss you so much."
Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Gary Little dead: Comedy icon dies 'climbing a hill' aged 61 as tributes pour in
Scottish comedian Gary Little has died aged 61, it has been confirmed. The award-winning comic had previously been heralded as "one of Scotland's finest comedians". His death was confirmed on social media, with it claimed he died while on a hill climb in Scotland. Tributes were quick to pour in following the news. In an Instagram post, comedy club The Stand in Glasgow praised his "huge personality". They wrote: ""We here at The Stand are utterly devastated to hear the news of the passing of big Gary Little. An incredible comic, huge personality and friend to many. "We are lost for words, and he will be profoundly and sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to all his family and friends right now. "There will be many a comic thinking about him tonight, telling stories and raising a glass. He would have liked that." And popular podcast The Some Laugh also shared their condolence. They said: "We're absolutely gutted to learn of the passing of the legend Gary Little. "Gary was one of the best stand-ups Scotland has ever produced, an absolute powerhouse of a comedian as well as a genuinely lovely guy with a heart of gold. "It was a pleasure to learn from someone like Gary as we were all coming up on the comedy scene, and his episode an appearance on our live show are up there with the all-time moments of the pod."
Daily Record
34 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Scots comedian dies as tributes flood in for 'wonderful man'
Tributes have been paid to Scottish comedian Gary Little after his death was reported on social media. The Scottish comedy world has been left heartbroken following the death of stand-up favourite Gary Little. The much-loved comic, a regular on the stand-up circuit and a fixture at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, passed away this week, with news of his death announced on social media on Friday. Gary, known for his sharp wit and towering stage presence, had been due to perform at the Glee Club in Glasgow on Friday and Saturday night. No cause of death has been confirmed but his sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow comedians and fans alike. Comedian Ray Bradshaw said: "Absolutely gutted to hear about the passing of Gary Little. "A literal giant of the Scottish comedy scene. I lived with him two years in a row Australia. He was a wonderful man and helped me so much over the years. "This is my favourite photo of him. Sent it to him every birthday" Darren Connell said: "Scottish comedy lost a legend today - heartbreaking news. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "Gary was an absolute powerhouse. He hosted my first ever gig when I was 18 years old, and after a shocker of a set, he took me aside and told me to keep my head down, work hard, and not let it get to me. "I'm glad he was kind enough to say that, and even more glad I listened. I've never forgotten it. "Life is so short. RIP Gary Little" Rob Kane wrote: "Scottish comedy and the world have lost a legend today. Gary Little I could rhyme off hundreds of stories of the times we've spent backstage and in car journeys together, the big man's stern gaze, his lack of tolerance for people over running on their time on stage, but most of all his warmth and empathy." Ronnie Black wrote: "am in total disbelief tonight that a genuine legend of Scottish Comedy and great guy has died today whilst climbing mountains. "Gary Little is a name well known in comedy and the North of Glasgow. "I had the pleasure of watching Gary and Sean Lock on the opening weekend of Glee. I will never forget Gary spoke for 20 minutes about a frying pan. Never knew frying pans were so funny. "I couldn't post this without sharing what I believe to be one of the best pieces of visual comedy I have ever seen. "Gary the Scottish Comedy Forum: is broken hearted tonight. "RIP mate." Jo Caulfield also paid tribute on Facebook: "What terribly sad news. Gary Little was a great comic and an amazing person to spend time with. We are all poorer for losing you Gary. "My love and sympathy to his family and loved ones. "I will truly miss not seeing you backstage and never hearing that big mischievous laugh. "Too soon. RIP my friend. Steven Ward added "That's a shame, Gary was a really sound guy when I met him and funny too."
