IT IS ALL lights, camera, action in Stirling with the announcement that a state-of-the-art film studio will be built in the city.

Stirling Studios will be built on the former Ministry of Defence land at Forthside and will pave the way for thousands of high-skilled jobs and economic benefits.

The project has been made possible since the land was transferred to Stirling Council through the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.

Stirling Council leader Cllr Chris Kane said: “Stirling Studios brings one of those rare moments in Stirling’s history which offers the potential to be truly transformational.

“We have an opportunity to embed an industry in our city which will bring thousands of high-skilled jobs, put us on a global creative map and deliver a significant economic boost to the region over many decades.

“By making innovative use of the existing buildings on a former military site, we are creating a studio campus that will provide everything film producers need to meet demand in a thriving sector.

“Students in our schools, our college and our university will be able to pursue creative careers right here in Stirling that in the past would have meant having to consider leaving to chase opportunities elsewhere.

“I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in getting us to this point. We are determined to seize the moment for the people of Stirling and realise the rewards of this ambitious project.”

Stirling Studios will unlock significant investment and job opportunities, as well as an array of economic and social benefits.

An independent economic impact assessment has estimated the project will create more than 4000 jobs in 25 years in a range of occupations.

These jobs will not just be limited to acting and directing, with jobs also planned across a range of trades such as joiners, labourers, plasters, scaffolders, engineers, hairdressers and make-up artists.

Chief executive Carol Beattie added: “In a previous role as director of creative industries for Scottish Development International, I knew there was still an opening for more production space in Scotland.

“When I saw the unique buildings and location at Forthside, I considered it to be a fantastic fit, which has since been confirmed through our close consultation with the industry, including Screen Scotland.”

Not all of the site at the former MoD land will not be demolished – instead, some of the buildings will be refurbished and made suitable for the high-end TV campus.

This will allow the council to kick start the job creation as early as this year, while the remainder of the land will be cleared in line with existing plans.