Karen Pirie Season 2 is based on Val McDermid’s crime novel A Darker Domain. The series brings Detective Sergeant Karen Pirie back for another cold case — this time revolving around the 1984 disappearance of oil heiress Catriona Grant and her baby son. The mystery stretches from Scotland to the Mediterranean, and the filming locations reflect this journey.
On July 20, 2025, ITV aired the first episode of the series. People have praised it for its exciting story and beautiful settings. In this NetFilming guide, we’ll look at the places where Season 2 was filmed and how they fit into the story.
Where Was Karen Pirie Season 2 Filmed?
Most of the filming took place across Scotland, with Fife as the main location. Scenes were also shot in Glasgow, Paisley, West Dunbartonshire and Malta—which doubled for Italy. Each location added a unique atmosphere to the investigation’s past and present timelines.
Scotland
Scotland’s dramatic scenery and historical charm set the stage for Karen Pirie’s investigation. Here’s a breakdown of the key Scottish locations used in Season 2.
Fife
Fife played a central role throughout the season. The region’s mix of rough coastline, old towns and beautiful places made it perfect for the story.
- Kinghorn: This coastal town was the setting for a key kidnapping scene with Catriona Grant and her son Adam. The railway bridge and station nearby made this tense moment even more dramatic and the sea made it even moodier.
- Trivia: Kinghorn’s beaches and rail views were also featured in Outlaw King (2018).
- Inverkeithing: The Ca’dora Café was turned into a fish and chip shop from the 1980s for flashback scenes. High Street, Church Street, Townhall Street and Heriot Street were all closed to traffic while filming took place here on July 16–17, 2024. Classic cars added a retro touch.
- Trivia: Inverkeithing’s architecture was previously used in Outlander for 18th-century Edinburgh scenes.
- Dysart: Howard Place in Dysart likely hosted a chase scene, with its narrow streets adding intensity to the action.
- Trivia: Dysart Harbour served as the French port of Le Havre in Outlander Season 2.
- Anstruther – The Caiplie Caves were chosen for dramatic showdowns and a key scene where Karen uncovers a vital clue. These rugged caves added a raw, suspenseful edge to the story.
- Trivia: Caiplie Caves have appeared in multiple BBC documentaries for their historical significance.
- St Andrews: The caves outside the city were used during investigation scenes. Sunny weather during the shoot helped create a natural light setup.
- Trivia: St Andrews is often seen in golf documentaries and the film Tommy’s Honour.
- Glenrothes: A real police station was used for scenes set at the fictional police headquarters.
- Trivia: Glenrothes has been featured in several short films and indie Scottish productions.
- Dunfermline: This town stood in for parts of Edinburgh, with Alhambra and Guildhall Street used for general filming.
- Trivia: Dunfermline’s historic abbey was a backdrop in Mary Queen of Scots (2018), connecting it to Scotland’s royal past.
Castles in Fife
To represent the luxurious Rotheswell Castle owned by the Grant family, the crew used two castles:
- Birkhill Castle (near St Andrews) was used for exterior shots.
- The interior castle scenes were filmed elsewhere, but the exact location hasn’t been disclosed.
Trivia: Birkhill Castle has previously been used in royal-themed shows and wedding documentaries.
Director Gareth Bryn praised Fife’s “beautiful castles and large homes,” which were perfect for depicting the Grant family’s fictional Rotheswell Castle. Birkhill Castle near St Andrews served as the exterior, while another undisclosed castle was used for interiors, blending grandeur with mystery.
Glasgow
Glasgow’s vibrant cityscape added urban energy to the series, especially in flashback scenes.
- Barrowland Ballroom: This iconic music venue was used for a 1980s flashback where Catriona Grant meets a shady character pivotal to her abduction. The neon-lit exterior added a gritty, nostalgic vibe.
- Trivia: The Barrowland Ballroom has appeared in T2 Trainspotting (2017), cementing its status as a Glasgow landmark in film.
- The Citizen: This bar and restaurant hosted a romantic date scene between Karen and her colleague Phil in the opening episode, offering a warm contrast to the show’s darker moments.
- Trivia: The Citizen’s stylish interiors were also used in Succession for Glasgow-based scenes, showcasing its modern appeal.
- The Duke’s Umbrella Pub: While primarily used in Season 1, some shots carried over into Season 2, adding continuity.
- Trivia: This pub has been a go-to for Glasgow-based productions like Shetland, reflecting its cozy, authentic atmosphere.
West Dunbartonshire
- Luss Estate, Loch Lomond: A remote cottage near Loch Lomond was used for hostage scenes in both the 1980s and present-day timelines. Its isolated setting heightened the suspense.
- Trivia: Luss Estate also appeared in Black Mirror and The Outlaw King (2018), proving its versatility for dramatic settings.
Paisley
- University of the West of Scotland (UWS): Filming on George Street on June 10, 2024, used UWS’s historic buildings to create a period-appropriate backdrop.
- Trivia: Paisley’s architectural gems have been featured in Vigil (2021), where its streets doubled for various Scottish locales.
Malta
The production team chose Malta for its warm, Mediterranean vibe to show a key plot point where Karen follows a clue to Tuscany (in the book). This change gave the story an international feel by contrasting Scotland’s dark tones with bright, sunny images.
- Valletta: Malta’s capital, with its 16th-century architecture and sea views, stood in for Tuscany. Its golden streets and historic buildings were perfect for scenes where Karen uncovers secrets abroad.
- Trivia: Valletta’s fortified city has been a filming hotspot for Game of Thrones (as King’s Landing) and Gladiator (2000), showcasing its global cinematic appeal.
- Mdina: This ancient walled city, known as the “Silent City,” was used for quieter, investigative scenes, adding a sense of mystery.
- Trivia: Mdina doubled as King’s Landing in Game of Thrones and has been used in The Count of Monte Cristo (2002), highlighting its historic charm.
A local company, Foran LTD, assisted with filming in Malta, ensuring smooth production in these stunning locations. The contrast between Malta’s sunny streets and Scotland’s rugged landscapes mirrors the story’s shift from hidden secrets to revealed truths.
Production Timeline
Here’s a clear timeline of when and where Karen Pirie Season 2 was filmed:
| Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 10, 2024 | Paisley (UWS, George Street) | Filming for scenes requiring a historic look. |
| July 16–17, 2024 | Inverkeithing (Ca’dora Café) | Night shoots with street closures and classic cars for 1980s flashback scenes. |
| Early July 2024 | Fife (Various) | Filming began across Kinghorn, Dysart, Anstruther, St Andrews, and Glenrothes. |
| July 2024 | Glasgow (Barrowland, The Citizen) | Flashback and modern scenes shot at iconic venues. |
| July 2024 | West Dunbartonshire (Luss Estate) | Hostage scenes filmed at a remote cottage. |
| July 2024 | Malta (Valletta, Mdina) | Scenes depicting Tuscany for Karen’s international investigation. |
| Before July 20, 2025 | Various | Filming wrapped ahead of the ITV premiere. |
Karen Pirie Season 2 Behind The Scenes
The people who worked on Karen Pirie Season 2 were all excellent at what they did and wanted to tell a more complicated and deeper story than before. Every part of the movie was made with care, from the carefully chosen filming locations to the detailed costume work for the 1980s flashbacks.
In an interview with ITV, director Gareth Bryn said, “The challenge was balancing two timelines—making the 1980s feel real without going overboard and keeping the present-day story grounded and sharp.”
Lauren Lyle, who plays Karen Pirie, said that filming in real places made the story more emotional: “Walking into these historic sites made it easier to get into character.” Fife, in particular, made us feel like the past was still alive.
Producer Simon Heath also added, “We knew the story demanded international scale. Filming in Malta gave us that cinematic contrast we needed—visually and emotionally.”
The cast and crew worked through long nights, unpredictable Scottish weather, and detailed planning—making Season 2 a powerful, well-crafted follow-up.
Karen Pirie Season 2 Official Trailer
For more updates on filming locations and behind-the-scenes insights, stay connected with NetFilming.
FAQs
Q: Why was Malta used instead of Tuscany?
A: Malta was chosen for logistical reasons, offering similar Mediterranean architecture and sunny weather to depict Tuscany, as seen in the novel. Valletta and Mdina provided a cost-effective and visually stunning alternative.
Q: Did they film in real police stations?
A: Yes, Glenrothes Police Station in Fife was used for authentic interior scenes, grounding the show in realism.
Q: How did Fife influence the show’s vibe?
A: Fife’s coastal towns, castles, and industrial history mirrored the novel’s setting and Val McDermid’s personal connection to the area, adding authenticity to the miners’ strike backdrop.
Must Read: Discover the Stunning Unspeakable Sins Filming Locations in Mexico!
