Welcome back, dear readers, to another whimsical installment of “Graveyards of Scotland.” Today, we’re diving into a story that’s more laugh-out-loud than solemn reflection. It’s the curious case of the fake graveyard in Glen Loyne—a place that existed for just a fleeting moment in film history. Buckle up for a tale of papier-mâché headstones, Italian comedy, and the ultimate disappearing act.
The Comedy That Sparked It All
Our story begins with the Italian comedy film “A spasso nel tempo – L’avventura continua” (“Time for Fun – The Adventure Continues”), a movie known for its zany humor and time-traveling escapades. The filmmakers needed a Highlander graveyard for one of their scenes, but Glen Loyne, with its stunning natural beauty, had no such graveyard. So, what did they do? They built one, of course!
Building a Graveyard… in a Flash
The production team descended upon Glen Loyne with the efficiency and creativity that only Hollywood can muster. In no time at all, they constructed a graveyard complete with faux Gaelic tombstones, spooky props, and just the right amount of eerie ambiance. The headstones, crafted from papier-mâché, were anchored in place with rocks and boulders, giving the illusion of a centuries-old burial site.
Lights, Camera, Hilarity
In the film, the graveyard scene was a masterpiece of slapstick comedy. The protagonists of “A spasso nel tempo – L’avventura continua” bumbled through the set, mistaking everything from tombstones to fake ghosts for real supernatural phenomena. The over-the-top reactions and physical comedy were quintessentially Italian, making for a hilarious juxtaposition against the serene Scottish backdrop.
And… It’s Gone!
Once filming wrapped, the movie magic began to fade. The production crew dismantled the graveyard, taking with them all the props and set pieces. All that remained were a few rocks and boulders that might once have secured the papier-mâché headstones. Glen Loyne, ever the picturesque Highland spot, reclaimed its untouched beauty.
Today, there’s no trace of the fake graveyard left—no eerie headstones, no spooky props. Just the wind whispering through the glen and the occasional story told by those who remember the brief and bizarre moment when Glen Loyne became a movie set.
If you love stories that begin in old graveyards, you’ll find even more of them in my book Scotland for Quiet Moments on Amazon. A lot of the ideas came while wandering through forgotten kirkyards and overgrown cemeteries, where every worn stone seems to have its own story to tell. There’s something about the quiet and the history in those places that sparks the imagination and stays with you long after you leave.
Sources:
- Anecdotes from film crew members and locals who witnessed the filming of “A spasso nel tempo – L’avventura continua.”
Graveyards of Scotland 
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