The team behind an exciting new short film that was filmed in Pitlochry last month has praised the local community for their support of the project. 

Caterhaugh is a short film by Schillaci Malmond, who grew up in Pitlochry, and has been described as a ‘dark, modern fairy tale’. The film is being made and produced by a team of Scottish practitioners and was filmed entirely in Pitlochry during the first week of March. 

Those involved in the production of the film worked in partnership with a number of organisations and local businesses, including Pitlochry Community Action Trust (PCAT) and Pitlochry Festival Theatre, whose Artistic Director Alan Cumming is the executive producer of Caterhaugh.  

From the outset, producer Dylan Howe and director Schillaci, were keen to engage with the local community, and in particular young people who were interested in finding out more about the film industry. 

As well as welcoming pupils from Pitlochry High School to the set to see for themselves the film-making process, the team will be hosting workshops in Pitlochry over the summer and will be hosting screenings of the finished film in the town. 

Judith Dingwall is chair of PCAT. She said: “Everyone at PCAT would like to thank all of the local businesses and volunteers who responded so positively to our appeal for support for the Caterhaugh film in the town recently, particularly Café Calluna, the Garden Café, Pitlochry High School, The Craigvrack Hotel, Cidsin Indian Bistro, RW Bell Electrical, The Loft at Craiglea, Tigh na Shee, Pitlochry Scout Group and all the supporting artists. 

“Dylan and Schillaci were blown away by the enthusiasm for the project and the wonderful support our community provided – everything from offers of accommodation for the crew, provision of a scissor lift operator, equipment and facilities, delicious and much appreciated homebaking and meals for the cast and crew to all the supporting artists who gave up their time.”

Dylan added: “The phrase ‘it takes a village’ is often repeated as a cliché, but during the making of Caterhaugh it proved entirely true. The film could only exist because of the generosity, warmth, and openness of Pitlochry and the people who call it home. What began as a small independent production quickly became something larger, a genuine collaboration between filmmakers and community.

“For the crew, many of whom are experienced professionals accustomed to fast-paced productions, the shoot became something rare. Caterhaugh was not simply another job to complete but a shared creative experience shaped by the support of the town. Pitlochry Community Action Trust helped create an atmosphere where filmmaking felt less like an industry and more like a gathering of people united by curiosity and generosity.

“The secret to harmony on a film set is making a crew feel like a family, and for a week Pitlochry became that family’s home. Students visited the set with excitement and curiosity, school baking was passed around among cast and crew, and the joy and enthusiasm of local supporting artists transformed background scenes into moments of genuine community participation. What emerged was a natural symbiosis between the film and the town itself.

“Director Schillaci Malmond said the project contained reflections of his own memories of growing up in Pitlochry. Yet during the making of Caterhaugh, something unexpected occurred. The town did not simply provide a backdrop for the story. Its people, generosity, and spirit created new memories in return.”

Caterhaugh is currently in post-production and is expected to premier at Filmhouse Edinburgh and Pitlochry Festival Theatre.