THE first Harry Potter film has been screened in an atmospheric setting at a historic Ayrshire castle - and the same venue is set to play host to the remaining films in the series this summer.

Dundonald Castle was the venue for the showing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on May 27.

The screening was a result of a new film programme at the castle.

And South Ayrshire Council’s community wealth-building team supported Friends of Dundonald Castle with the launch.

The team provided grant funding for film and audio equipment, supplied by local firm Lairds of Troon.

The programme will continue over the coming years with films of all kinds set to be shown under the castle's remarkable 14the-century barrel-vaulted ceiling.

The official launch event took place on Saturday, May 27 and saw Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone premiered to a sell-out audience.

The entire series of Harry Potter films will be screened throughout 2023.

Councillor Bob Pollock, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, said: “I’m delighted that, through our community wealth building programme, we’ve been able to support Friends of Dundonald Castle to grow with the introduction of their film programme.

“The purchase of this equipment has enhanced their facilities and will help to generate greater income streams, and provide educational and exciting opportunities for locals, visiting schools, and visitors alike.

"I hope that each screening sees a full house at the castle and that the programme goes from strength to strength.”

Dr Kirsteen Croll, general manager of Friends of Dundonald Castle said: “The launch of our film series provides more opportunities for local communities to gather at the castle, as well as attracting audience members from further afield to experience the setting of our beautiful Dundonald Castle. 

“This has only been possible thanks to the support of South Ayrshire Council’s community wealth-building team, who provided us with grant funding to purchase film and audio equipment to enable this to happen.

"We’re also very grateful for the help provided to us by local family company Lairds of Troon.”

Tickets for these and all other film showings can be purchased through the Dundonald Castle & Visitor Centre website: https://dundonaldcastle.org.uk/ 

Dundonald Castle is looked after by the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, who also manage the attraction’s visitor centre.

The castle is one of Scotland’s most unexplored and fascinating outdoor attractions – a heritage treasure, which was the historic home to Scots King Robert II, grandson of Robert the Bruce, and boasts historic links to the Stewart dynasty and the Cochrane and Wallace families.