Dame Judi Dench Calls Scotland Her ‘Spiritual Home’ after Filming in Scottish Countryside
Introduction
Renowned actress Dame Judi Dench has expressed her deep love for Scotland, calling it her “spiritual home” after filming in the Scottish countryside for her upcoming guest-edited episode of the BBC’s Countryfile. In the episode, Dame Judi discusses her affinity for Scotland, her passion for nature, and her lifelong connection to the country.
Filming in Inveraray Castle
In the episode, Dame Judi joins presenter Charlotte Smith at Inveraray Castle to reflect on the influence of the countryside on her and her family. The actress also enlists the help of her grandson Sam to check on the progress of a tartan being created specifically for her, where every thread tells a personal story. This visit showcases Dame Judi’s strong connection to Scotland, which she has referred to as her “spiritual home.”
Love for Scotland in Film
Dame Judi’s love for Scotland extends beyond her personal life and into her professional career. The actress has filmed some of her most significant movies in Scotland, including the 1997 film Mrs Brown, for which she won a BAFTA for her portrayal of Queen Victoria. Filming took place at Duns Castle in the Borders region and on the Ardverikie Estate in Badenoch.
Additionally, Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands served as a captivating backdrop for scenes in the James Bond movie Skyfall, released in 2012. Dame Judi’s involvement in these films demonstrates her deep appreciation for Scotland‘s natural beauty and its inspirational potential as a filming location.
Deep Connections to Scotland
Dame Judi has also fostered personal connections in Scotland, as seen during her impromptu New Year’s Eve performance with Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri at The Fife Arms in Braemar. This event showcased her genuine affinity for the country and its people.
Passion for Nature and Love for Trees
Throughout the Countryfile episode, Dame Judi expresses her love for nature, particularly her passion for trees. She recounts planting trees in honor of her late celebrity friends, stating, “I have a lot of famous people in my garden.” This deeply personal connection to nature reflects her lifelong love for the environment.
Dame Judi’s joy for trees began in her childhood, where she vividly recalls feeling distressed upon witnessing large trees being felled. This sense of attachment and concern for the natural world still resonates with her today.
Coping with Failing Eyesight
During her visit to Inveraray Castle, Dame Judi speaks with Countryfile regular Charlotte Smith about her failing eyesight. She discusses her positive outlook despite the challenges, noting, “I have no option, or I’ll just fall over. But I’ve got wonderful people who help me.” The actress reveals that she can no longer see on film sets and is unable to read scripts due to advanced macular degeneration.
Conclusion
Dame Judi Dench’s profound love for Scotland, evident in her declaration of it being her “spiritual home,” highlights the deep emotional connection she feels toward the country. Through her work in film and personal experiences, she has developed a lifelong bond with Scotland, its breathtaking landscapes, and its people.
Moreover, her passionate advocacy for nature and her love for trees further emphasize her commitment to preserving and appreciating the natural world. In her candid discussions about her failing eyesight, Dame Judi’s resilience and positive attitude are inspiring.
As viewers tune in to Sunday night’s episode of Countryfile, they will be treated to a glimpse into Dame Judi’s profound connection to Scotland and her unwavering passion for nature.
<< photo by Valeriia Miller >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
