From May 20 to May 23, Pathfoot was transformed from a study site to the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, for BBC’s upcoming six-part drama based on the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.
Filming took place at the front entrance of Pathfoot, the ‘A’ corridor and the Dining Hall. Although access to the building was restricted for three days, it could still be entered via the rear entrance.
On December 21, 1988, flight Pan Am 103 was en route from Heathrow to JFK when a bomb exploded in its hold over the small Scottish town of Lockerbie, killing 270 people, including 43 British citizens and 190 Americans. It was the worst terror attack on British soil and the first major one on US citizens.
Lockerbie will focus on the joint Scots-US investigation and the devastating effect the attack had on the small town and affected families. The drama will begin in 1988 and take us to the end of 2022 when the most recent indictment occurred.
The BBC series differs from the Sky production of the same name. Sky’s Lockerbie adaptation is based on the true story of Dr Jim Swire (Colin Firth) and his quest for justice for his daughter Flora, who was among the victims.
BBC’s Lockerbie cast includes many renowned names, including Connor Swindells, Patrick J. Adams and Merritt Weaver. It is not yet publicly known what role these actors will play. However, since Brig spotted Adams strolling through Crush Hall, he might play an FBI agent.
Crush Hall also saw numerous ‘agents’ dressed in 80s-inspired suits, blazers, blouses and skirts.
By Pathfoot’s entrance, an American flag fluttered in the breeze, road marks were painted black, and several signs were displayed. A featured sign listing all locations of the Academy grounds highlights ‘Jefferson Building,’ indicating that that is what Pathfoot will represent in the show.
In real life, the Jefferson Building houses administrative offices, student check-in and the visitors’ centre.
Lockerbie will first air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, then on Netflix in the UK and globally. The producer is Julia Stannard (War and Peace) and Michael Keillor (Roadkill) is the director.
The project was initiated by filmmaker Adam Morane-Griffiths whose research includes extensive interviews with Scottish police officers and representatives from United States investigative agencies, many of whom have never previously shared their stories.
Filming has wrapped up at the University but is still underway in Scotland and will continue in Malta and Toronto.
A spokesperson for the University of Stirling said: “We can confirm a production company was on campus filming scenes for a new six-part BBC/Netflix series on Lockerbie.
“Our beautiful 330-acre campus, and the wide range of buildings on site, provides the ideal environment for production companies seeking film locations in the heart of Scotland. We are delighted to have hosted major television productions – such as Lockerbie and Outlander – in recent years and look forward to welcoming more film projects in the future.”
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A 23 year old aspiring writer.
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Msc International Journalism.
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