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Friday, 22 July, 2005, 16:22 UK
BBC
The last scenes of the BBC drama Monarch of the Glen have been filmed.
The fortunes of the MacDonald family and their Highland Glenbogle Estate have been watched by an estimated 50 million people across 20 countries.
The fictional grounds were in fact Ardverikie Estate, centred around Loch Laggan. The scenery made Monarch one of the BBC's biggest exports.
The show has contributed millions of pounds to the local economy since it was launched six years ago.
It has been estimated the spin-off to the Highland community has been more than £2m.
Susan Hampshire, who play's Molly MacDonald, said despite family feuds on screen, a bond had been built up behind the scenes.
"We haven't had a lot of people throwing tantrums or being difficult," she said.
"Everybody has been really good at their job and really nice. And so I think every actor is longing to come back again because of the wonderful atmosphere."
"It's the kind of television everybody feels should be made because it's family television, and because it's one of the most beautiful places on earth."
Patricia Eccles of the Cairngorm Chamber of Commerce said she hoped the programme would have long lasting tourism spin-offs.
"The overseas visitors are particularly interested," she said.
"It's bringing in an awful lot of people from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America."
Highland life has also won over the city-based cast members.
"I feel very at home here," said Lloyd Owen who plays the Laird of Glenbogle.
"There's something called Highland time which I'm definitely on. But I'll just have to visit. I shall get on a flight and get my dose."
The picture postcard scenery of Badenoch and Stratspey played a major part in Monarch's worldwide success.
