Hancock scales the heights of Suilven as Assynt is star of new movie
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VETERAN actress Sheila Hancock has been filming in Assynt – and even climbed the iconic mountain Suilven at the age of 83 as part of her role.
Ms Hancock had been regularly spotted over many weeks around Lochinver for the upcoming film Edie.
Gordon Robertson, manager of Assynt Estates, said Ms Hancock was kept an eye on by estate stalker John Venters during the long climb.
"It was just incredible. It was a full day’s shoot, but it is just remarkable and amazing that an 83-year-old has climbed such a mountain as Suilven," he said. "She has made us all think about doing it now!"
Mr Robertson added that the crew of 27 had not just boosted the local economy from the 12 weeks of filming – using many local businesses – but the area was set for a tourist boost when the movie is released.
It is also planned to have a local "première" next year in the Screen Machine mobile cinema.
The Victorian stalking lodge where Ms Hancock stayed is also to be offered for self-catering holidays.
"We think the film could be a big boost for the area and the film crew may be coming back to finish off some scenes later in the summer," said Mr Robertson. "It is going to be a great advert for the area.
"It was great for us and for the local businesses. Some locals were also used as extras. There was a real buzz about the place."
Before beginning shooting, director Simon Hunter wrote on his blog: "I always wanted to use the mountain Suilven in Sutherland, it’s my favourite – I have not climbed since I was a child."
Ms Hancock is playing Edie and Scottish actor Kevin Guthrie also stars. The 28-year-old, Glasgow-born rising star is best known as Ally in Sunshine on Leith and Ewan in Terence Davies’s 2015 film Sunset Song.
The new film tells the story of an elderly woman who has come through a lifetime of disappointment and regret. Faced with the prospect of life in the retirement home, Edie sets off to Scotland in order to climb a mountain and rekindle some of the magic of her youth.
The film shot in and around Lochinver, in London and at Three Mills films studios.
Mr Hunter has previously made TV commercials and the feature Mutant Chronicles, starring John Malkovich, Ron Pearlman and Thomas Jane as well as the spine-tingling thriller, Lighthouse.
Also involved in making Edie is production designer Chris Richmond (Wasteland, The Veteran) and special effects supervisor is Stefano Pepin (Prometheus).
The film is produced by Mark Stothert and Tim Dennison.
Ms Hancock was seen regularly in and around Lochinver.
"The film-makers said they were so delighted with the scenery and the way locals had treated them that they were thinking of switching one film they were planning to Scotland," said one local.
"It certainly caused some excitement here as well as bringing a lot of business. We hope that when the film is released it will bring even more tourists."
