For a long time it has been asserted - by the industry, by actors and directors, producers and cultural bodies - that Scotland would greatly benefit from a major film studio.

The Scottish Government established a Scottish Film Studio Delivery Group to attempt to find a way to make it happen, but as yet, nothing has.

Five bids, it has been reported, were being analysed by Scottish Enterprise. £1m had been set aside by Creative Scotland, and up to £2m from the government. An Open Letter signed by many film makers called for a studio in Glasgow. However, so far, no concrete plans have emerged for a studio backed, at least in part, by public funds.

Now a privately funded studio looks set to outflank the public option. The Pentlands Studio plan, a development worth nearly £140m in total with a studio at its core, will have its public consultation next week. Backed by private money, it does not risk the danger of becoming entangled in Europe's State Aid strictures, which prevent governments from distorting competition with public intervention.

While the government and Scottish Enterprise attempt - it seems - to square the circle on a partially state-funded studio, the Pentlands plan could sneak past on the rails. If Midlothian Council grants the plan permission, it could begin digging its foundation in October. Then we will truly see whether Scotland can sustain a major film studio, private or public.