Dept. Q filming locations in Scotland and Edinburgh elevate this Netflix crime drama, blending moody realism with stunning gothic scenery.

Hey everyone! So, I just binged the new Netflix series Dept. Q, and honestly, I'm obsessed. 🤯 If you're a fan of moody crime dramas with a detective who's seen better days, this one's for you. The show follows DCI Carl Morck (played brilliantly by Matthew Goode), who's been shuffled off to head a new department dedicated to cracking cold cases, all while wrestling with some serious trauma from his past. The series has been killing it, sitting pretty with an 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and quickly climbing into Netflix's top 10. It's got that perfect mix of tense mystery, heartfelt moments, and even some dark humor as Morck begrudgingly adjusts to his new team. But you know what really hooked me? The atmosphere. And a huge part of that comes from where they filmed it. Let's dive into the real-world locations that make this show so visually stunning and authentic!

🏙️ The Heart of the Mystery: Edinburgh & Beyond

Unlike a lot of shows that just use soundstages and green screens, Dept. Q packs its bags and heads to Scotland! The series is actually set in Edinburgh, and they filmed extensively on location throughout the city and the surrounding Lothian region. This isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in itself. The gloomy skies, the historic stone buildings, the winding alleys—it all adds this incredible layer of gritty realism and gothic mood that you just can't fake.

The production team was spotted all over the place. According to local reports, here are some of the key spots they used:

• Edinburgh City Center: They filmed at iconic spots like the Edinburgh City Chambers and the stunning Signet Library, which was transformed into a courtroom for the show. Imagine solving a cold case surrounded by that architecture! 😲

• Neighborhood Vibes: Scenes were shot in the Leith neighborhood and the Wester Hailes area, giving us a look at the everyday life of the city beyond the tourist spots.

• Coastal Escapes: The team also ventured out to some picturesque coastal locations. They filmed at Yellowcraig Beach in North Berwick and in the village of Dirleton, which must have provided some seriously dramatic scenery for those introspective, windswept moments.

• The Studio Hub: For the interior scenes, like the police department interiors, the production set up shop at FirstStage Studios in Leith. So while the exteriors are all real-deal Edinburgh, they had a controlled space to build the intricate sets needed for the investigation rooms.

This commitment to real locations isn't just for show (pun intended). It gives Dept. Q a palpable sense of place. You feel the chill in the air and the weight of history in the streets, which perfectly complements the show's themes of uncovering long-buried secrets.

🔄 The Big Switch: From Copenhagen to Edinburgh

Here's a fascinating twist for the book fans! Dept. Q is actually based on a super popular Nordic noir book series by Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen. The first season follows the plot of the first book, Mercy. But—and it's a big but—in the original novels, Detective Carl Morck works in Copenhagen, Denmark.

So why did Netflix move the whole operation to Scotland? 🤔

It was a deliberate creative choice! The show's creators, including Scott Frank, wanted to lean into the vibe of British crime dramas rather than Scandinavian ones. And honestly, when you think about it, the swap makes a weird kind of sense:

Copenhagen (Books)	Edinburgh (TV Show)
Cold, gray Nordic weather	Cold, gray Scottish weather ☁️
Historic European architecture	Historic, often gothic architecture 🏰
Danish language & culture	English language & UK culture 🇬🇧

Both cities have that brooding, atmospheric quality that's perfect for a noir mystery. By setting it in Edinburgh and making it an English-language production, the show instantly becomes more accessible to a global Netflix audience without losing any of that essential gloomy, haunting atmosphere. It's a smart adaptation that honors the spirit of the books while carving out its own unique identity.

🎬 Why This Setting is a Total Win

Let's break down why this location choice is such a masterstroke for the series:

1. Authenticity Over Everything: Using real Edinburgh streets and landmarks injects an undeniable authenticity. It grounds the sometimes outlandish crimes in a reality we can recognize, making the mysteries feel more urgent and plausible.

2. Mood is Everything: Crime dramas live and die by their atmosphere. Edinburgh, with its history, its weather, and its architecture, provides a naturally cinematic and moody setting. The city itself feels like it's holding onto secrets, which is the entire premise of the show!

3. A Fresh Take on Nordic Noir: Instead of just copying the Danish setting of the books or the previous film adaptations, the show gives us a new lens. It blends the procedural elements of a British detective show with the psychological depth and cold-case focus of Nordic noir, creating a hybrid that feels both familiar and new.

🕵️‍♂️ Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Backdrop

Watching Dept. Q, it's clear that Edinburgh isn't just where the story happens—it's woven into the story's DNA. The locations contribute to the tone, the pacing, and even the character of Carl Morck himself. His isolation and gruff exterior feel like a natural product of his environment. As he and his team dig into the disappearance of Merritt Lingard (played by Chloe Pirrie), the city's shadows seem to hide as many answers as they do questions.

If you haven't checked it out yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. Pay attention to the scenes! You might just spot a familiar close if you've ever visited Scotland. The combination of a compelling, trauma-laden detective, a twisty cold case, and the breathtakingly moody setting of Edinburgh makes Dept. Q a standout entry in Netflix's already impressive lineup of crime dramas. It proves that sometimes, the best way to bring a story to life is to plant it firmly in the real, rainy, and remarkably cinematic world. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book a trip to Edinburgh... and maybe rewatch the season while I pack! ✈️🕶️