National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 5 November 2025 14:15

The Mexican filmmaker, a three-time Academy Award winner with ‘The Shape of Water’ and ‘Pinocchio’, visited Stirling more than two years ago with key members of his production team, including Production Designer Tamara Deverell, as he planned his latest epic.

‘Frankenstein’ will be released on Netflix this Friday (7 November) after a successful nationwide cinema release and many local residents will be transfixed by the similarity between the scientist’s laboratory and our much-loved monument to Scottish patriot William Wallace, which was opened in 1869.

It is also hoped Stirling will continue to play centre stage for world class film and television productions, with work well underway on the redevelopment of the former military barracks at Forthside to create the new Stirling Studios complex and one of Scotland’s largest film production sites.

Tamara Deverell said: “The Wallace Monument was a very strong design influence for the look of our Abandoned Water Tower, which transforms into Victor Frankenstein’s cliffside laboratory.

“Guillermo, our concept artist Guy Davis, and I visited the Monument on our first location scout in Scotland in April 2023. We used the overall silhouette, the textures of the stone, the arched architecture, and, particularly, the turreted top in the design of our Frankenstein Tower.

“Like so much of Scotland, our first view of the Wallace Monument rising on a high point in the mist over the countryside was both breathtaking and extraordinarily inspirational!”

Hannah Lucas, Commercial and Operations Manager at The National Wallace Monument, added: “We were delighted to arrange a visit for Mr del Toro and his team. We know how much they enjoyed their experience, particularly the striking architecture and breathtaking views across Stirling and surrounding areas.

“Many of our visitors ask about the connection between The National Wallace Monument, William Wallace and ‘Braveheart’, and we’re so pleased to recognise our role in another high-profile movie. We look forward to seeing the representation of the Monument in ‘Frankenstein’ when it is released this week on Netflix.”

Stirling Council leader, Cllr Gerry McGarvey, said: “The National Wallace Monument has been an iconic part of the Stirling and Scottish landscape for more than 150 years.

“It’s no surprise its Gothic architecture still continues to inspire and we’re delighted and proud to see its magnificent design represented in the new ‘Frankenstein’ movie from such a renowned filmmaker as Guillermo del Toro.

“The Monument attracted more than 130,000 visitors last year from all over the world and many ask about the connection with movies, particularly ‘Braveheart’. Our team are now weaving conversations about ‘Frankenstein’ into chats with the public around its ongoing significance in popular culture.

“As we celebrate the release of ‘Frankenstein’, it’s fitting we are also progressing with the exciting and transformational Stirling Studios project, due to be completed in 2026. This means in the future we will be able to host high-end cinema and television productions here in Stirling, delivering significant economic benefits in another key sector of the Scottish economy.”

VisitScotland’s Film and Creative Industries Manager, Jenni Steele, said: “The release of Frankenstein is another fantastic addition to Scotland’s set-jetting locations.

“With our country’s gothic architecture, historic buildings, atmospheric streets and striking landmarks, like The National Wallace Monument, there’s plenty to inspire film makers, as well as producers, artists and even visitors.

“Our hope is that this new release will encourage fans to find out more and explore Scotland’s links with Mary Shelley’s famous creation for themselves.”

Frankenstein’s lab and its striking resemblance to The National Wallace Monument is featured in this trailer.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Time to Nominate Outstanding Companies for the 2026 Stirling Business Awards

The public has just two weeks left to nominate outstanding independent retailers for Go Forth Stirling BID’s annual Business Awards.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

Heroes call on Scottish rugby fans to vote for the greatest Murrayfield rugby moment

SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.

The Christmas tradition of the year is back...

Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!

First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets

First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.

Scotland Meats Germany

Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.

Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour

Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.

Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night

Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Have your say on new active travel project for south of Stirling city centre

People are being encouraged to have their say in the second stage of a consultation on four proposed active travel routes for the south of Stirling city centre.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Art Exhibition and Fashion Sale to Support Strathcarron Hospice

Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.

The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced

The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.

KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.

No tricks, just treats at Thistles Stirling this Halloween

Thistles, Stirling is set to host a spooky spectacular at the shopping centre this October half term.

Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted

There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!

Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign

Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!

Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced

Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!

Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities

Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.

Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir

Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.

First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards

Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!

Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History

Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.

Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week launches to inspire the nation with Find Your Fit campaign

The Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.

Local sporting heroes back Stirling campaign to get more women and girls active

Some of Stirling’s sporting heroes, including an Olympic champion and a World Championships silver medallist, are supporting a drive to get more local women and girls active.

Unlimited adventures for less than a tank of petrol

With the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!

Seachdain na Gaidhlig (World Gaelic Week) 2026 launches with rallying call to use it, or lose it

Seachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

National Wallace Monument wins Frankenstein approval from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro

Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro made a personal visit to The National Wallace Monument before deciding to cast the iconic Stirling landmark in his new movie ‘Frankenstein’.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings