Dept. Q is an upcoming British crime thriller series based on the internationally acclaimed novels by Jussi Adler-Olsen. Developed by Scott Frank, the show premiered on May 29, 2025, on Netflix. Unlike the Danish setting in the original books, this new adaptation moves the story to Edinburgh, Scotland, giving it a fresh and atmospheric edge.
The series revolves around Detective Carl Morck, who, after surviving a traumatic ambush, is transferred to a cold case unit tucked away in the basement of a police building. Alongside a small team, he reopens unsolved cases, each with secrets buried deep in time.
If you’re wondering where Dept. Q was filmed and how the real-world locations shape the mood of the show, here’s a complete breakdown of the filming spots across Edinburgh and surrounding areas—brought to you by NetFilming.
Where Was Dept. Q Filmed?
Filming for Dept. Q took place primarily in Edinburgh, Scotland, between February and June 2024. The production team made the most of the city’s unique blend of historic charm and urban grit, capturing scenes across 13 of Edinburgh’s 17 council wards. Unlike many shows that use other cities as stand-ins, Dept. Q was shot authentically in Edinburgh, giving it a genuine Scottish feel. The city’s medieval closes, Georgian architecture, and lesser-known high-rise flats set the perfect stage for this gritty thriller. Let’s explore the key filming locations that bring Dept. Q to life.
Edinburgh: The Heart of the Series
Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, is the main setting for Dept. Q. Known for its cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and dramatic skyline, the city provides a rich backdrop that mirrors the show’s intense atmosphere. The production was based at FirstStage Studios in Leith, a hub for filming in the city. From the narrow alleys of the Royal Mile to the elegant New Town, the team captured Edinburgh’s diverse landscapes, including areas like Marchmont, Merchiston, and Tollcross. These neighborhoods, with their mix of historic stone buildings and modern urban spaces, create the perfect setting for Carl Morck’s investigations.
The city’s versatility allowed the filmmakers to showcase both its beauty and its darker corners. For example, the cold case unit’s basement office was designed to feel claustrophobic yet grounded in Edinburgh’s architectural style. Fans of the books will appreciate how the city’s gothic vibe replaces the Copenhagen setting of the original novels, giving the series a unique “Tartan noir” twist.
Fishery Cottage, Hound Point
One standout location is Fishery Cottage at Hound Point, located on the Dalmeny Estate along Edinburgh’s coastline. This quaint, historic cottage, nestled among sand dunes near the beach, adds a hauntingly beautiful element to the series. Built in the 1800s and first appearing on maps in 1856, the cottage was once used for salmon fishing until the 1950s. Its unique sea wall, made from what appears to be repurposed concrete blocks, gives it a rugged charm. Still inhabited and maintained, Fishery Cottage provides a serene yet isolated setting, perfect for the show’s moody tone.
St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Another notable location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, a stunning Gothic structure in Edinburgh’s West End. Its towering spires and intricate stonework make it a striking backdrop for key scenes in Dept. Q. The cathedral’s grand yet slightly eerie atmosphere complements the series’ themes of mystery and unresolved pasts. Filming here added a layer of historical depth, tying the show’s modern investigations to Edinburgh’s rich heritage.
Burntisland Docks, Fife
For scenes requiring an industrial edge, the production team headed to Burntisland Docks in Fife, just across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh. This location was used to depict the fictional “Jennings Property” in the series. The docks’ stark, utilitarian look provides a gritty contrast to Edinburgh’s historic charm, making it ideal for tense, dramatic moments.
DoubleTree by Hilton, Queensferry
The DoubleTree by Hilton in Queensferry, overlooking the iconic Forth Bridges, was another key filming spot. This modern hotel served as the setting for a pivotal scene where Merritt Lingard, a missing prosecutor played by Chloe Pirrie, meets a crime reporter. The location’s scenic views and contemporary design add a touch of sophistication to the series, balancing its darker elements.
Midlothian Council Mansion House
The Midlothian Council Mansion House, an elegant yet imposing building, was transformed into a care facility for scenes involving Merritt’s brother and a hospital where DS Hardy (Jamie Sives) is treated. The production team dressed the mansion to appear institutional yet upscale, highlighting its versatility as a filming location. This site added a sense of grandeur and mystery to the storyline.
World-Class Climbing Centre, West of Edinburgh
For one of the series’ most dramatic moments—a key death scene—the team filmed at a world-class climbing center west of Edinburgh. This unique location, with its towering walls and intense atmosphere, provided a thrilling backdrop that heightened the suspense of the scene.
When Was Dept. Q Filmed?
Filming for Dept. Q began in February 2024 and wrapped in June 2024. The five-month shoot allowed the team to capture Edinburgh in different seasons and weather conditions, from crisp winter days to early summer light. This variety enhances the series’ realistic feel, as the changing weather mirrors the shifting moods of the investigations. The extended timeline also gave the production team ample opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s diverse locations, ensuring each scene feels authentic and immersive.
Dept.Q Behind The Scenes
The making of Dept. Q was all about collaboration, creativity, and embracing Edinburgh’s unique character. Here’s a peek behind the curtain:
Scott Frank, writer-director and showrunner, describes the experience fondly:
“It was the most fun I’ve ever had— easily,” he said, recalling the relaxed and inspiring on‑set atmosphere.
He credits the cast’s energy, especially Mark Bonnar and Kate Dickie, for sparking fresh ideas mid‑production:
“Mark Bonnar would just come on the set singing … I would listen to Kate Dickie just talk and it would get me inspired to write new things for her all the time.”
Frank also emphasizes how Edinburgh itself became a silent character:
“The first thing [I] said when [I] got off the bus on the Royal Mile was ‘I love this place, we’re going to film here.’”
He meticulously crafted settings to serve emotional beats. For example, he explains the deliberate change in aspect ratio during one episode was designed to:
“create that ‘aha’ moment for viewers” by visually sinking them into a character’s mindset.
Matthew Goode, who plays DCI Carl Morck, shared insights into his casting and transformation:
“Scott had to go to bat for me… he thought of me to play the part,” Goode recalled.
On his preparation, Goode noted:
“I spent a lot of time in my bathtub, really, just daydreaming and popping in memories… to bolster all the sort of literal evidence that you can find in and around you.”
Actress Chloe Pirrie, who portrays Merritt Lingard, also earned praise for her dedication: Frank said
“Gratitude. She gave me everything, and I know it was really hard for her.”
This cast camaraderie carried off-screen as well. Goode recalls rain-soaked evenings spent with the ensemble:
“We were in [a little French restaurant] for five hours – popped in for a steak and had five bottles of red… We just clicked straight away.”
Beyond performance, real locations became focal storytelling tools. Filming used real buildings—from the Royal Mile to the Fishery Cottage, Weston Hailes flats, and more—to anchor the drama in authenticity. Scottish optic experts even helped fit character-specific contact lenses on set.
Dept.Q Official Trailer
For more updates on filming locations and behind-the-scenes content, stay tuned to NetFilming.
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