The ongoing story of constructing a major film studio in Scotland added a further chapter on Wednesday with the announcement of a new $411.5m (£250m) development near Gleneagles, which includes provision for a $49.4m (£30m), 100-acre film studio.

A private consortium of unnamed financiers would operate The Gleneagles Film Studio Partnership with the aim of constructing a facility with up to 14 sound stages, the largest silent stage in the world and the largest external water tank in the world. There will also be a film academy, film museum and preview theatres. The full 800-acre site would also include extensive housing, a five-star, 200 bedroom hotel, a golf course, country club and leisure facilities.

Boasting messages of support from Lord Attenborough and Scottish actor Brian Cox, the plans were unveiled by Glasgow businessman Toni Antoniou and will now be submitted to Perth and Kinross Council which is expected to rule on approval for planning permission by June 2003.

A rival $32.9m (£20m) studio project planned for near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands is still on target to begin construction before the end of 2003. Backed by musician and filmmaker Dave Stewart, businessmen Rick Wood and Roy Davis, and Braveheart actor James Cosmo, the project is expected to break ground in March and open the first phase of construction by Christmas.