Falkirk Distillery takes centre stage in Brian Cox’s Glenrothan

A working distillery in Falkirk is about to become one of Scotland’s most unexpected film stars.

When Glenrothan, directed by and starring Brian Cox, lands in UK cinemas on Friday 17 April 2026, it brings with it a story steeped in whisky, heritage and reconciliation — but it’s Falkirk Distillery that quietly steals the scene.

The real star of the story

While Glenrothan centres on a fictional whisky distillery, much of the film was shot on location at Falkirk Distillery, which doubles as “Glen Nairn” on screen.

Rather than relying on sets, the production leans into the real textures of the space — copper stills, working mash tuns and all — giving the film an authenticity that’s hard to replicate.

It’s a bold choice, but one that pays off. In a film about legacy and family ties, the setting feels lived-in, atmospheric and unmistakably Scottish.

A Lowland distillery stepping into the spotlight

In whisky terms, Falkirk Distillery is still a newcomer — a small, independent Lowland producer in an industry dominated by big, familiar global names. But that’s exactly what makes this moment so significant.

Often overshadowed by Highland and Islay heavyweights, Lowland whisky is quietly having a wee renaissance — and Falkirk is part of a new wave that’s beginning to turn heads. Think lighter, unpeated drams with a modern edge — accessible, elegant and increasingly sought after. This is a classic David-and-Goliath story — and now, thanks to Glenrothan, Falkirk is stepping into the limelight.

Fiona Stewart: leading a new chapter

While Glenrothan tells the story of two brothers navigating legacy and family ties, the reality at Falkirk Distillery offers a compelling narrative of its own.

At its heart is Fiona Stewart — a female founder helping to shape the future of Scotch whisky. As co-owner, Fiona has been instrumental in bringing the distillery to life, navigating the long road from concept to cask as part of a family vision that has been more than a decade in the making. What began, in her father George Stewart’s words, as “a dream — or maybe a dram too much”, has evolved into a fully realised Lowland distillery built on patience, perseverance and a deep sense of place.

From sourcing a site with its own artesian water to creating a destination designed for visitors as much as production, the journey has been one of real graft — a modern whisky story grounded in family and resilience.

And as the film premiered in London, Fiona was there to celebrate Falkirk Distillery taking a well-deserved place in the spotlight — poignant in that the realities of Falkirk Distillery mirror the film’s themes of legacy and connection.

Fiona’s real-life journey brings an added depth to the story — a portrait of modern whisky-making shaped by resilience, vision and a new generation confidently redefining the industry.

Step onto the set

Falkirk Distillery is open to the public, so of you’re a whisky lover and film fan, bring the best of both world’s together with a visit. Walk through the very spaces where much of the film was shot. From tours to tastings, it offers a rare chance to experience a cinematic setting in real life — dram in hand.

A spotlight on Scotland’s hidden gems

As Glenrothan hits cinemas this Friday, it does more than tell a story — it shines a light on one of Scotland’s lesser-known whisky destinations. For Falkirk Distillery, it’s a defining moment: a small Lowland producer stepping into the frame, proving that you don’t need centuries of history to make an impact — just vision, craft and a story worth telling.