Part rogue, part folk hero, the story of Rob Roy MacGregor was first told in Rob's own lifetime by the writer Daniel Defoe. He was later portrayed in a novel by Sir Walter Scott, so it is hardly surprising that, later still, he should also have been the subject of attention from film-makers. There was a silent epic from 1922 with a cast of 2000, filmed around Loch Lomond.
Then Walt Disney took up the story. With the big-budget film industry's usual preference for legend and dramatic action rather than accurate historical detail, Rob Roy (1953) was an exciting film, starring Richard Todd in the title role, with action sequences set in the hills above Loch Ard. Highlanders and redcoats, swords, targes (Highland shields) and roaring cannon provided plenty of excitement. Misty hills and snow patches added extra atmosphere. (The extras were from the local regiment the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.)
Apart from providing the filming locations for scenes from Geordie and The Thirty Nine Steps Balquhidder has another large input into film making in Scotland. The area around Balquhidder was the home of original Rob Roy McGregor who is buried in Balquhidder churchyard. The story of Rob Roy has been told in five movies stretching from the first film in 1911 to the 1995 movie staring Liam Neeson. hidder full of history and romance.
39 Steps 1959: The chain on Richard Hanneys bicycle breaks while he crosses a bridge. Filmed at the bridge over the River Balvag at Balquhidder. All of the following scenes up until he arrives at Glenkirk House were also filmed in Balquhidder.
