A Scottish horror film will be shot in Midlothian in a film backed by Scottish actress Louise Linton.

The untitled movie will be shot later this year.

Linton, who has made several TV shows and films in the US, is producing the film with her Stormchaser film company.

She said: "Scotland has so many incredible and majestic locations that haven't been seen on film before.

"The landscape is magical and makes an ideal backdrop for many kinds of films.

"It's remarkable that more films haven't been set there as there is so much on offer.

"Even the weather can be a huge plus, especially for the horror/thriller genre where LA's endless summer can be a problem when you need clouds or rain to set the tone of a film.

"The country has been under-utilized in film and while I'm excited to be using locations that haven't been seen on film before, I hope this movie will encourage other film makers to shoot there."

Linton, from Edinburgh, said the cast will include "major stars" from the US as well as local actors.

Casting calls will be made in Edinburgh later this year.

She said UK treasury tax breaks for film had a role in bringing the film to Scotland.

She added: "Scotland also has some of the finest architecture in the world, the kind that cannot be recreated on a studio lot. I hope the film will be a boost for Scottish tourism and for the world's perception of what the country has to offer."