MSP Jackie Baillie has welcomed news of tax breaks designed to boost the independent film industry, announced recently by the UK government.

The politician, whose own constituency is home to the BBC’s Dumbarton studio, believes the announcement will help boost creative industry in the area.

The Independent Film Tax Credit will give first-time productions with a budget of up to £23.5million, tax relief of 53 percent on the first £15million spent, in a bid to honour the UK Government’s commitment to nurture home-grown content and talent.

For films to meet the criteria for this new relief, productions eligible for the tax break must have a UK writer or director or be certified as an official UK co-production.

In 2021, the broad screen sector in Scotland employed the equivalent of 10,940 full-time workers and contributed £627.1million to the economy, with Glasgow emerging as a significant film industry hub.

News of the tax break has also been welcomed by film industry workers.

Jackie Baillie, MSP for the Dumbarton constituency, said: “News of this UK Government tax break presents a new attraction for the Scottish film industry, which is a growing and vital part of Brand Scotland.

“I recognise the importance of this, given that my Dumbarton constituency is home to the BBC’s Dumbarton studio, where productions including River City are filmed.

“It has also brought a taste of the industry to the area, with locations close to my office also being used as the backdrop for scenes in popular BBC Drama, Shetland.”

“The Scottish film and creative industry is a vital part of Brand Scotland.

“Our homegrown film-makers have shown Scotland at its best, on big screens across the world, while supporting thousands of jobs and driving economic growth.

“This tax break will help to inspire the next generation of talent, deliver more great Scottish content and sustain a world-leading industry here in Dumbarton and Scotland.”