Historic site launches festival for 'films celebrating Scotland'

NEW Lanark World Heritage Site is seeking "independently made films celebrating Scotland" to show at its first ever film festival.

The historic site made a call-out on social media inviting both professional and amateurs to submit short films for free.

In its first edition, the festival is seeking any film made by Scottish residents, films in the Scots or Gaelic language, or "just anything that shows a love for our beloved home". Submissions can be made here.

The site, an 18th-century mill village, sits alongside the River Clyde less than one hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Now a Unesco World Heritage Site, the festival will be held there this March.

The festival will be held in the New Lanark Film Theatre – a 123-capacity venue based within the World Heritage Site.

On social media, a post stated: "We are delighted to be launching our very first community film festival this March – featuring independently made films celebrating Scotland, made by local and international filmmakers.

"For its first year, we are taking free submissions of short films – and are accepting works from both professional and amateurs alike. "So whether you are a seasoned industry professional, film student, or someone with a camera and a passion – we would love to have your film screened in our very own cinema."

The village was created by social pioneer Robert Owen and was revolutionary for its times. It offered its workers free education and healthcare, comfortable homes and a better working environment.

It employed 2000 workers, 500 of them children brought to the mill from the poorhouses and charities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. Some were also victims of the Highland Clearances.

The festival will be held on Tuesday, March 25.