A TV crew took over Dundee City Square on Tuesday as production got under way on a new crime show.
Filming is now taking place on Traces, a series created by Val McDermid which explores the world of forensic science in Tayside.
The show will feature Line of Duty and Sweet Sixteen star Martin Compston, who was spotted in City Square on Tuesday at noon.
The Scot was seen interacting with locals in-between takes in the city centre, and even took a break from filming to post a photo of himself next to the Oor Rabbie Rides Again Big Bucket Trail statue.
The part that got away ?#oorwullie https://t.co/4QbdLoXph8 pic.twitter.com/xCPDqiwUoo
— martin compston (@martin_compston) July 2, 2019
@martin_compston It’s not everyday you get Hollywood royalty pics from the balcony. If you fancy a tour of the City Chambers happy to oblige! #Traces #DundeeisNow pic.twitter.com/0TAgdgxP4H
— Lynne R Short (@LynnesnpR) July 2, 2019
Dundee councillor Lynne Short tweeted a photo of the actor on set from the City Chambers.
The deputy convener of the community safety and public protection committee said: “To give him his dues he was a really, really decent guy and was getting selfies with folk. There was a lot of folk going up.
“I know he is very proud of his Scottishness and is probably delighted to be here.
“Certainly from a city point of view there is definitely more (filming) opportunities coming along.”
The Maryfield ward councillor also made a cheeky attempt to lure him to the council chambers for a cup of coffee, adding: “I’ve still got the kettle on for him.”
Earlier in the day Compston posted a photo from V&A Dundee, where filming is said to have taken place on Tuesday morning.
Location was decent this morning #TRACES #thedee ??????? https://t.co/CnmVnvI1KV pic.twitter.com/uO2RHuLuqC
— martin compston (@martin_compston) July 2, 2019
He wrote: “Location was decent this morning.”
The show is being written by actress Amelia Bullmore and also stars Laura Fraser, Jennifer Spence, Molly Windsor and John Gordon Sinclair.
New crime drama starring Line of Duty’s Martin Compston to be set in Dundee
Red Production Company, who are behind the show, will also close off Wellington Street and Nelson Street on Wednesday, July 3 from 7am until 3pm to allow for filming.
Last week the council’s city development convener councillor Alan Ross said: “It’s great news for Dundee that so many productions are choosing to come here and show off the city to national and global audiences.
“This makes such a positive impact bringing opportunities for businesses, tourism and the people of Dundee.”
Dundee City Council took to Facebook to share photos from the set.
The local authority posted: “It’s turning out to be a great summer for TV production in Dundee.
“Traces starting Martin Compston, Molly Windsor and Laura Fraser is the latest drama to be filmed here.”
Traces tells the story of three women working in forensics as they probe a shocking murder case and pursue justice.
Kirkcaldy-born McDermid’s story aims to shine a light on the role of science in solving mysteries.
