The latest series of the BBC thriller *Vigil* has captivated viewers with its tense storyline set in the remote Arctic region of the Svalbard archipelago. While the plot situates much of the drama in this isolated and frigid environment, a significant portion of the series was filmed far from the Arctic Circle, in locations around Glasgow, Scotland.
Although lead actors Suranne Jones, who plays DCI Amy Silver, and Rose Leslie spent six days filming on location in Svalbard, much of the production was staged on the outskirts of Glasgow. The Arctic research station central to the plot was recreated inside a Kia car showroom in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. This choice allowed the production team to simulate the stark, icy atmosphere of Svalbard while avoiding the logistical and environmental challenges of filming exclusively in the Arctic.
Producer Marcus Wilson explained that a primary hurdle was creating a seamless and convincing visual narrative. “We wanted people to feel like they were there,” he said, describing how scenes transition fluidly between the real location in Svalbard and the constructed sets in Scotland. The production made extensive use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) to blend these settings and maintain the illusion of continuity.
The real Svalbard environment presents formidable obstacles to filmmakers, with winter temperatures dropping to as low as -20 degrees Celsius and the sun disappearing for nearly four months. Even during the continuous daylight months, temperatures rarely climb above 8 degrees Celsius. Jones reflected on the experience, noting the breathtaking scenery and wildlife, such as reindeer sightings outside the breakfast room and the culinary challenge of tasting local dishes including moose stew. However, she also pointed out the discomfort of returning to warmer Glasgow conditions while still wearing heavy layers of Arctic clothing for filming.
Additional indoor scenes were shot at Stirling University, and a quarry in Shotts, North Lanarkshire, stood in for parts of the Arctic landscape. Some exterior shots were filmed at the real scientific research facility Unis Svalbard in Longyearbyen. To navigate the difficulties of shooting in such a demanding environment, the production team consulted with experts who had worked on *Mission: Impossible – Fallout*, which also featured scenes filmed in Svalbard. Wilson remarked on adapting techniques from higher-budget productions to fit the scale and tone of *Vigil*.
*Vigil* continues to be one of the BBC’s prominent drama successes. The first series, released in 2021 and set on board the nuclear submarine HMS Vigil, drew approximately 12 million viewers and received a BAFTA nomination. The second series, aired in 2023, dealt with a deadly drone attack and became one of the broadcaster’s most-watched dramas of the year. The current series explores themes of international politics and espionage, focusing on the strategic competition among the UK, the United States, Russia, and China for influence over the Arctic region.
The new season of *Vigil* airs on BBC One at 9 p.m. tonight.