A tranquil corner of Perthshire has become the unexpected backdrop for a high-stakes Channel 4 drama, as film crews descend upon the picturesque Carse of Gowrie. The Horseshoe Cafe, a well-known local spot near Inchture, is currently at the heart of the action for the new six-episode psychological thriller, ‘Maya,’ injecting a wave of cinematic excitement into the region.
Residents in this agricultural heartland, renowned for its fertile fields and charming villages, are observing the fascinating transformation of their everyday landscape into a vibrant production set. The series boasts a stellar cast, featuring the acclaimed BAFTA-nominated actress Daisy Haggard, celebrated for her versatile performances across comedy and drama. She is joined by the rising star Bella Ramsay, fresh from recent high-profile roles, and the distinguished Tobias Menzies, known for his powerful dramatic presence. Adding another layer of depth to the project, Daisy Haggard is also the talented writer behind ‘Maya,’ promising a deeply personal and engaging narrative.
The signs of a major television production are unmistakable around the Horseshoe Cafe. Bright traffic cones cordon off the entrance to the venue’s parking area, signalling the controlled environment of the set. Large production lorries, laden with equipment and props, are clearly visible from the nearby B953, indicating the considerable logistical effort involved. Just to the north of the cafe, a verdant grassy field now hosts an array of temporary structures, including sizeable tents, additional vehicles, and robust ramps, all integral to the complex operations of a film crew.
To ensure the smooth execution of filming sequences and to manage public accessibility, temporary road closures have been strategically implemented along a 700-yard segment of the B953. This affected stretch lies north of Inchture, connecting the roundabout near the A90 eastbound on-ramp with the Baledgarno turn-off. Local authorities and the production company have communicated these temporary disruptions, highlighting a significant 12-hour closure on Monday, followed by additional closures between approximately 4 PM and 2 AM on both Tuesday and Wednesday. While residents retain access to their properties during these times, they have been advised to anticipate potential delays as crews work diligently on location.
The arrival of the production has already created memorable moments for locals. Allan Brown, a 71-year-old resident, recounted his delightful surprise when he visited the cafe last week. He discovered the film operations in full swing and, as a friendly gesture from the production team, was even treated to some chocolate cake. Such anecdotes underscore the unique blend of rural life and professional filmmaking now coexisting in the Carse of Gowrie. A Gripping Tale Unfolds in a Rural Setting
‘Maya’ is set to captivate audiences with its intense psychological thriller premise. The story revolves around a single mother, Anna (Daisy Haggard), and her teenage daughter, Maya (Bella Ramsay). Their lives are irrevocably altered when an ominous and dangerous threat forces them into a witness protection programme. Their new reality leads them away from the bustling metropolis of London to what is described as a “small rural town.” The choice of a seemingly peaceful, isolated setting like a Perthshire cafe for a story of this nature creates a powerful juxtaposition, heightening the tension as the characters grapple with their perilous circumstances.
The tranquillity of their new rural sanctuary is brutally shattered, however, when a cunning and dangerous adversary from their past manages to track them down, plunging them back into a desperate struggle for survival. Channel 4 has lauded ‘Maya’ as an “unmissable psychological thriller,” suggesting a narrative filled with suspense, twists, and profound emotional depth, undoubtedly amplified by the stellar cast’s performances. Broader Impact and Regional Appeal
While the Carse of Gowrie provides distinct, atmospheric locations for specific scenes, the majority of ‘Maya’s’ production is based in Glasgow. This dual-location approach allows the series to leverage both the vibrant urban settings of Scotland’s largest city and the unique charm and isolation offered by areas like Perthshire.
The presence of such high-calibre productions in the region extends beyond mere on-screen visibility. It often brings a welcome boost to the local economy, creating temporary employment opportunities for local support staff, stimulating business for accommodation providers, catering services, and various suppliers. This current filming venture for ‘Maya’ follows a recent trend, with Tayside and Fife increasingly becoming a magnet for major film and television projects. Last September, the historic village of Culross, across the Firth of Forth in Fife, was utilized for scenes in Joel Coen’s ‘Jack of Spades,’ further solidifying the area’s reputation as a versatile and appealing destination for national and international productions. These ventures not only offer a fascinating spectacle for residents but also place Perthshire firmly on the map as a dynamic and beautiful filming location.
Residents in this agricultural heartland, renowned for its fertile fields and charming villages, are observing the fascinating transformation of their everyday landscape into a vibrant production set. The series boasts a stellar cast, featuring the acclaimed BAFTA-nominated actress Daisy Haggard, celebrated for her versatile performances across comedy and drama. She is joined by the rising star Bella Ramsay, fresh from recent high-profile roles, and the distinguished Tobias Menzies, known for his powerful dramatic presence. Adding another layer of depth to the project, Daisy Haggard is also the talented writer behind ‘Maya,’ promising a deeply personal and engaging narrative.
The signs of a major television production are unmistakable around the Horseshoe Cafe. Bright traffic cones cordon off the entrance to the venue’s parking area, signalling the controlled environment of the set. Large production lorries, laden with equipment and props, are clearly visible from the nearby B953, indicating the considerable logistical effort involved. Just to the north of the cafe, a verdant grassy field now hosts an array of temporary structures, including sizeable tents, additional vehicles, and robust ramps, all integral to the complex operations of a film crew.
To ensure the smooth execution of filming sequences and to manage public accessibility, temporary road closures have been strategically implemented along a 700-yard segment of the B953. This affected stretch lies north of Inchture, connecting the roundabout near the A90 eastbound on-ramp with the Baledgarno turn-off. Local authorities and the production company have communicated these temporary disruptions, highlighting a significant 12-hour closure on Monday, followed by additional closures between approximately 4 PM and 2 AM on both Tuesday and Wednesday. While residents retain access to their properties during these times, they have been advised to anticipate potential delays as crews work diligently on location.
The arrival of the production has already created memorable moments for locals. Allan Brown, a 71-year-old resident, recounted his delightful surprise when he visited the cafe last week. He discovered the film operations in full swing and, as a friendly gesture from the production team, was even treated to some chocolate cake. Such anecdotes underscore the unique blend of rural life and professional filmmaking now coexisting in the Carse of Gowrie. A Gripping Tale Unfolds in a Rural Setting
‘Maya’ is set to captivate audiences with its intense psychological thriller premise. The story revolves around a single mother, Anna (Daisy Haggard), and her teenage daughter, Maya (Bella Ramsay). Their lives are irrevocably altered when an ominous and dangerous threat forces them into a witness protection programme. Their new reality leads them away from the bustling metropolis of London to what is described as a “small rural town.” The choice of a seemingly peaceful, isolated setting like a Perthshire cafe for a story of this nature creates a powerful juxtaposition, heightening the tension as the characters grapple with their perilous circumstances.
The tranquillity of their new rural sanctuary is brutally shattered, however, when a cunning and dangerous adversary from their past manages to track them down, plunging them back into a desperate struggle for survival. Channel 4 has lauded ‘Maya’ as an “unmissable psychological thriller,” suggesting a narrative filled with suspense, twists, and profound emotional depth, undoubtedly amplified by the stellar cast’s performances. Broader Impact and Regional Appeal
While the Carse of Gowrie provides distinct, atmospheric locations for specific scenes, the majority of ‘Maya’s’ production is based in Glasgow. This dual-location approach allows the series to leverage both the vibrant urban settings of Scotland’s largest city and the unique charm and isolation offered by areas like Perthshire.
The presence of such high-calibre productions in the region extends beyond mere on-screen visibility. It often brings a welcome boost to the local economy, creating temporary employment opportunities for local support staff, stimulating business for accommodation providers, catering services, and various suppliers. This current filming venture for ‘Maya’ follows a recent trend, with Tayside and Fife increasingly becoming a magnet for major film and television projects. Last September, the historic village of Culross, across the Firth of Forth in Fife, was utilized for scenes in Joel Coen’s ‘Jack of Spades,’ further solidifying the area’s reputation as a versatile and appealing destination for national and international productions. These ventures not only offer a fascinating spectacle for residents but also place Perthshire firmly on the map as a dynamic and beautiful filming location.