Braveheart Facts That Deserve Their Freedom

Since its release in 1995, "Braveheart" has become as Scottish as Haggis in the eyes of the world. It introduced audiences everywhere to the wonderous, mist-covered Scottish Highlands, a place of rugged beauty where paganism once thrived, far from the reach of armies and empires. But, here's the thing: "Braveheart" was filmed mainly on the Emerald Isle, not in Bonnie Scotland. According to Movie Locations, when it was announced that a biopic of one of the most famous sons of Scotland was going to be filmed in Ireland, it was a bone of contention. After all, it's not like Scotland is short of brooding peaks, majestic views, and untamed scenery.

As is so often the case in the film world, the decision to shoot "Braveheart" in Ireland was governed by finances. The Republic of Ireland offers filmmakers the incentive of tax breaks, not to mention allowing its army to be used as extras in battle scenes, a huge bonus for a film like "Braveheart." Scenes set at Edinburgh Castle and the Battle of Falkirk were filmed in Ireland, but the filmmakers knew better than to try and find a substitute for the Scottish Highlands. Mountainous areas that were used in "Highlander" such as Glencoe and Loch Leven were also used to give "Braveheart" an air of authenticity. And, while William Wallace's hometown in the film was built for purpose, it was erected in the valley beneath Scotland's (and Britain's) highest peak, Ben Nevis.