Disney Animation for Scottish Highlands!

Pixar has announced that one of its next features is to be set in the Highlands, which could it is said could provide a boost to Scotland’s tourist industry. The Bear and the Bow is a story of a Scottish princess, Merida, who decideds to give up her family name and follow her dream of becoming an archer. It is believed by tourism chiefs that it will help raise Scotland’s profile and lead to an influx of visitors in the same way that Braveheart and Highlander did.

According to Disney's press release,

A rugged and mythic Scotland is the setting for Pixar's action-adventure "The Bear and the Bow." The impetuous, tangle-haired Merida, though a daughter of royalty, would prefer to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right. Director Brenda Chapman ("The Prince of Egypt," "The Lion King") and the storytelling wizards of Pixar conjure humor, fantasy and excitement in this rich Highland tale.

A rugged and mythic Scotland? It sounds a bit like The First Minister's Christmas Card - anyway the release date is late 2011 so just in time for a 2012 marketing campaign. Is the bear going to be in favour of independance or against? It could swing an election you know!