Bonny Scotland meets Game of Thrones – on and off set (the red carpet, actually) There’s no doubt that Game of Thrones has been one of the most notoriously successful and talked about TV series of the noughties; rivalled only by the likes of the epic Breaking Bad. Developed in the USA and based on George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels, the series has been filmed in various striking locations across the globe including Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, Morocco, Spain, Malta, the USA and of course…here in our very own bonny Scotland. Doune Castle, near Stirling, was the set for Winterfell in the pilot episode of the series and has been popular with many films and TV programmes over the years, including Monty Python and Ivanhoe (the latter starring Elizabeth Taylor). Game of Thrones has also brought many of our best home grown actors to the forefront of the small screen; including Iain Glen (playing Jorah Mormont), originally from Edinburgh and a former Edinburgh Academy pupil, and James Cosmo (playing Jeor Mormont), originally from Clydebank, just northwest of Glasgow. James Cosmo has also featured in several hugely successful Scottish-based films and series; including Braveheart, Trainspotting and Highlander. To add to the list of long-established Scottish actors, Game of Thrones has also shown off some of our newer home-grown talent, including 27 year old Richard Madden (playing Robb Stark) from Elderslie in Renfrewshire, 30 year old Emun Elliot (playing Marillion) and 27 year old Rose Leslie (playing Ygritte). You might recognise the dazzling Rose Leslie from series one of Downton Abbey, where she played a maid called Gwen. She also won a BAFTA for Best New Talent for her debut role in the Scottish film New Town in 2009. Aberdeen-born, this talented young lady has an impressive legacy, as she is the daughter of the chieftain of Clan Leslie, Sebastian Arbuthnot-Leslie, and was brought up in the 15th century Lickleyhead Castle, just northwest of Aberdeen. Our bonny Game of Thrones starlets aren’t shy when it comes to plugging their Scottish roots and heritage on the red carpet either. Last month in New York for the season four series premiere, Rory McCann (who plays character Sandor Clegane) donned fully tailored highland dress in a three piece stylish Black Watch tartan ensemble. But what we loved about this outfit was the attention to detail – a black leather sporran, matching silver kilt pin and pocket watch duo, kilt hose and that silk mustard kilt jacket lining. Well done Rory. Trés chic indeed. To find out more about our bespoke, made-to-measure kilt service, contact us via email or call 0131 553 3472