Scots take to stage at Cannes

Lynne Ramsay won a Cannes award for Ratcatcher

Scotland is aiming to put its attributes as a movie destination at centre stage during the Cannes Film Festival in France.

A film shot on the west coast of the country is among the competitors for the event's coveted top prize - the Palme d'Or.

The latest work by Scottish director Lynne Ramsay has also been selected to premiere in directors fortnight.

Scotland has it all - romance, drama, historic buildings, magnificent scenery and ability in abundance

Elaine Murray
Deputy Tourism Minister

And Scotland's Deputy Tourism Minister Elaine Murray is attending the festival to lend her support for the country's film industry.

The Scottish Executive wants to use the event to raise the profile of home-grown talent and the production opportunities available in Scotland.

Dr Murray said: "Scotland has it all - romance, drama, historic buildings, magnificent scenery and ability in abundance.

"Whether you prefer legend, heroism or the issues of the modern world, you'll be able to find a Scottish-based film to entertain, inspire or disturb you.

"Promoting Scotland as the premiere film destination that it is will be my major role in Cannes this week."

The minister is attending a number of events as part of her bid to promote Scotland to an international audience.

Ken Loach: Film shot in Greenock and Glasgow

These include the premiere of director Ken Loach's latest work Sweet Sixteen, which was shot in Glasgow and Greenock and is among the three British films competing for the prestigious Palme D'Or.

Lynne Ramsay shot her latest film Morvern Callar, an adaptation of the novel by Alan Warner, in Oban.

It has been selected to premiere during director's fortnight at Cannes.

Her previous film, Ratcatcher, won an award at Cannes.

Dr Murray pointed out that the makers of the film Rob Roy spent £7m during its production.

She also said that the Oscar-winning Braveheart was responsible for attracting one in five American tourists north of the border.