As Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ premiered on July 17, boasting an all-star cast with Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Matt Damon and more. Unsurprisingly, some of the filming for ‘The Odyssey’ took place in the North East of Scotland, in one of the most unusual forests.
One of the most unusual filming locations in the world, Culbin Forest on the Moray Firth coast looks like something out of a fairytale, providing a drastic contrast of a forest abruptly colliding with a beach. Surrounded by a mysterious past filled with legends and local folklore, the Culbin Forest and its coast provide visitors with a lovely coastal walk and, apparently, have also inspired one of our generation’s most enigmatic film directors.
In the film, the Culbin Forest was used as a backdrop for when Odysseus arrived on land, further venturing into the forest.
The tragic history behind Culbin Forest
While Culbin Forest is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists, the spot is surrounded by mystery. Now, it is a place where local flora and fauna can thrive, but a mere 300 years ago it was, practically, a desert. Up until the 1690s, the area was home to agriculture and an abundant community.
However, the 1694 Great Sand Drift covered Culbin in sand almost overnight, destroying homes in lightning speed. Some believed the area was cursed by a witch, who had condemned the community.
The tragic history of one of the most unusual ‘Odyssey’ filming locations doesn’t end here – in 1939, Culbin was devastated by a massive wildfire, damaging 382 acres. The coastal spot did not escape World War II either, as it came ablaze once again.
Today, Culbin Forest is managed by the local authorities by “felling trees and retaining a cover of mature trees”, encouraging biodiversity and the best timber.
The full list of ‘The Odyssey’ filming locations in Scotland
- Findlater Castle – the mythical island of Aeaea and the village of Ithaca.
- Culbin Forest & Culbin Sands
- Sunnyside Beach – crew’s arrivals.
- Burghead Harbour – ships leaving and arriving.
- Buckie Harbour
- Portsoy Harbour – various crew scenes.
Civic Leader of Moray Council, Cllr John Cowe, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to see Moray featuring in what is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated film releases of the year. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey will introduce millions of cinema-goers around the world to the spectacular landscapes that make Moray such a special place. The stunning setting of Culbin Forest and Culbin Sands provided the perfect backdrop for this epic story, and we are proud that our coastline helped bring one of literature’s greatest adventures to life on the big screen.”
“Moray and the North East’s appeal goes far beyond its cinematic credentials. Visitors inspired by the film can discover miles of beautiful coastline, fascinating heritage sites, welcoming communities and an extraordinary history stretching back thousands of years. From the ancient story of the lost settlement at Culbin to iconic landmarks such as Elgin Cathedral, Spynie Palace and Burghead Fort, there is a wealth of experiences waiting to be explored.”
“We hope that audiences who fall in love with the landscapes they see on screen will be inspired to visit North East Scotland for themselves, experience our world-class natural environment and heritage, and enjoy the warm welcome that awaits them here. The Odyssey may tell the story of an epic journey home, but we believe Moray and Aberdeenshire is a destination that visitors will want to return to time and time again.”
If you would like to plan your own visit retracing ‘The Odyssey’ filming locations trail in Scotland, check out the handy maps made by Moray Council here, and it takes around three and a half hours to drive from Glasgow.
