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The South of Scotland: The Heartbeat of Scotland’s Creative Future

Creative Economy

Why the South of Scotland?

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A Central Stage for Your Next Big Move

Based at the very heart of the UK, the South of Scotland puts you within easy reach of major creative hubs while giving you space & freedom bring bold ideas to life.
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A Thriving Ecosystem

A vibrant community of over 6,000 creative professionals and almost 1,900 enterprises, with strong collaboration opportunities across film, gaming, fashion, digital media, and CreaTech innovation. Here you’ll benefit from a real community of likeminded, trailblazing individuals.
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Established Events & Conference

Stunning natural landscapes and heritage-rich towns that attract global productions, backed by dedicated regional investment programmes, screen strategies, and tailored business growth support.

Unleash Your Creative Potential

Welcome to the South of Scotland - a vibrant and fast-growing hub where creativity, innovation, and collaboration converge. Here, creativity is more than a sector, it’s a way of life, driving a fast-growing economy that’s home to over 6,000 creative professionals and nearly 1,900 dynamic enterprises. From coast-to-coast, this is a region alive with possibility - where fashion and textiles meet film and gaming, where visual arts collide with software development, and where a rich cultural heritage fuels a cutting-edge creative future worth over £28 million a year. 

From the Heart of the UK to Audiences Everywhere

Our breathtaking landscapes and cinematic towns are attracting the attention of global filmmakers, game developers, and broadcasters. With a new Screen Strategy and a dedicated Screen Commission, the South is ready to welcome world-class productions that want the perfect combination of talent, scenery, and support. 

Located right at the heart of the UK, the South of Scotland offers unrivalled access to markets North and South, plus a collaborative community, investment-ready infrastructure, and a region-wide commitment to helping creative businesses grow faster, scale bigger, and shine brighter.

 

Download the South of Scotland Creative Economy Guide Here

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS TECHNOLOGY

This is where imagination meets technology. CreaTech - where creativity powers emerging tech - is transforming our creative industries. From AR and VR to AI, 5G, IoT, and virtual production, enterprises across the region are using these tools to develop new business models and amplify cultural impact.

 

The South of Scotland’s Creative Economy in Numbers

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turnover generated across the South of Scotland with fashion and textiles accounting for more than half of this value.
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working and volunteering in the Creative Economy, with the highest number in the fashion and textiles sub-sector (1,801) followed by heritage (1,231). 1,152 are freelance or self-employed. 
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Creative Enterprises in the South of Scotland with the highest prominence in Dumfries and surrounding area.

Ready to let your creative vision lead the way?

Positioned at the very heart of the UK, we offer unrivalled access to markets north and south, a rich pipeline of skilled talent, and a collaborative ecosystem that champions bold ideas. With an unmatched blend of heritage, natural beauty, and modern life, the South of Scotland offers a unique backdrop for you to thrive - creative talent lives here, ideas flourish here, and industries grow here.

We're making bold moves and big wins in the South of Scotland - start your journey today.

 

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