Monarch of the Glen
Monarch of the Glen, set in the Scottish Highlands in fictitious Glenbogle, was largely filmed on location in the Badenoch and Strathspey area of the Cairngorms National Park. Writer Michael Chaplin, who first came to the region way back in 1968, created Monarch of the Glen for Ecosse Films. Exactly 30 years later he returned to research an idea about an impecunious young laird desperately trying to keep his birthright in the face of pressure from an unsympathetic bank and interference from his impossible father. Monarch of the Glen was born and its popularity has raised the profile of the region on a global scale, recognised throughout as Monarch Country.
Monarch of the Glen had many locations in the area, with the Ardverikie Estate, near the small village of Laggan, being the focal point. Ardverikie House, in the middle of the estate, doubled as the MacDonalds' residence - Glenbogle House (or The Big House) in the show. The estate also boasts the croft of the ghillie Golly MacKenzie and the local pub, the Ghillie's Rest. The entrance to the estate, Kinloch Laggan, was often seen in the show, as was the bridge that gives access from Kinloch Laggan to the actual Ardverikie Estate. Loch Laggan surrounds the estate, and its beach was used many a time in the show. Ardverikie opens its gardens on the last Sunday of May each year.
Laggan appeared as the village of Glenbogle, and was home to Glenbogle Primary School, the croft of its headmistress Katrina Finlay, and the village stores. The village of Newtonmore features the funeral directors, post office, and various other minor locations. Kingussie hosts the Glenbogle Town Hall, whilst Carrbridge has the Village Hall, and Broomhill Station in Strathspey doubles as the Glenbogle Station. Some of the river and water fall location were filmed at the the Falls of the Truim at Crubenbeg.
The River Pattack just up from the Ardverikie Estate was used several times for different romantic scenes as well as when family member Paul fell in the river. Shepherdess Iona's croft is just up from the Pattack, while farmer Isobel's farm is just down the from the estate at the village of Moy and the Glenbogle Church is in fact the Cille Choirille Church near Roy Bridge. Lord Kilwillie's Castle is actually Balavil House, off the A86 road near Kingussie, while Ruthven Barracks, Loch an Eilein and Loch na h'Earba appeared during Ewan's stolen-car scenes, where Katrina found her real father, and where the clay-pigeon shooting contest appeared. Meanwhile the shop in Kincraig was the location of the motorcyclists in season one.
