Granite Harbour season three has arrived, over two years after the second series aired on BBC. Dawn Steele returns as DCI Cora Macmillan, Romario Simpson as DC Davis Lindo, and Hannah Donaldson as DS Lara 'Bart' Bartlett. New cast members include Alastair Mackenzie, John Gordon Sinclair, Ellie Haddington, and Ryan Fletcher. The season follows Lindo, Bart, and the Major Investigations Team in a complex murder investigation that threatens to divide communities and unearth long-buried secrets.
Filming locations across Scotland
The Scottish detective drama was filmed in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and locations across Scotland in October 2025. Cast members have shared their favourite spots in Aberdeen. Romario Simpson, who plays Lindo, said: "I love the esplanade along the coast. You can drive alongside it and take in the coastline. It's a beautiful part of the city." Hannah Donaldson, who plays Bart, called the historic fishing village Footdee a "hidden gem." She said: "My favourite spot in Aberdeen has to be Footdee (aka Fittie)."
Importance of filming in Scotland
Hannah Donaldson emphasised the importance of making shows about Scotland: "We have to keep making shows about Scotland and the people who live here. I can’t tell anyone else’s stories better than my own. It’s something I feel very strongly about. We have a wealth of talent here that should be given the platform to tell our stories and share them to the wider world." Alastair Mackenzie, who plays Richard, said: "I love being in Scotland. That’s where my heart is. The Scottish film and TV industry is thriving and I’m proud to have played a small part in that." Dawn Steele, who plays Cora, said her favourite location in Aberdeen is the beach, adding: "It's such a stunning place and culturally vibrant and has such a rich history."
Filming in Glasgow
Filming also took place in Glasgow, with camera crews spotted on Oakfield Avenue, near the University of Glasgow's Stevenson Building.
Season 3 plot and air date
Granite Harbour season three starts on Thursday, July 23, on BBC Scotland. The synopsis reads: "Teenage café worker Lisa Sterling disappears into the woods surrounding the prestigious estate owned by Richard Loughty following a birthday celebration for Rose Gough, matriarch of the local traveller community. By morning, Lisa's body is discovered at the bottom of a ravine. What initially appears to be a tragic accident is quickly confirmed as murder." DCI MacMillan and her team investigate under pressure from a Special Police Investigations Service inquiry. A shocking discovery forces them to question everything. The series launches on BBC Scotland on Thursday, July 23 at 9pm, followed by BBC One on Friday, July 24 at 8pm. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from July 23.
