Dept.Q (2025)

Department Q is a British crime thriller series, and an adaptation of Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novels. The series follows Carl Morck (played by Matthew Goode), a brilliant yet emotionally scarred detective in Edinburgh. After a traumatic incident leaves his partner paralysed and another officer dead, Morck is relegated to leading a newly formed cold case unit, Department Q. Alongside a tema of misfit officers, he delves into unsolved crimes, uncovering dark secrets and navigating the complexities of justice.

Adapted from Danish author Jussi Adler-Olsen’s bestselling novels, the series is created by Scott Frank, known for The Queen’s Gambit.

While the original novels are set in Copenhagen, Denmark, this adaptation relocates the narrative to Edinburgh. The production was based at FirstStage Studios in Leith and filmed in Edinburgh over six months, making use of many, varied and new-to-screen locations across the whole of the city and East Lothian. Some of the locations featured include Wester Hailes, Burdiehouse, Leith, Liberton, Marchmont, Morningside, Portobello, Abbeyhill, Southside, as well as the City Centre.

More specific locations include Portobello promenade, which is perfect for a stroll and excellent views of beach. Additionally, Melville Street in the West End was transformed for the series, with scenes involving stunt driving and significant production setups. The street is perfect for a stroll and is located close to Princes Street Gardens, where you can stop for a seat and take in the greenery.

The Volunteer Arms (Staggs Bar) in Musselburgh was also featured and was closed to the public during filming, serving as a key location in the series. Owned by the same family and open since 1858, grab a drink in this historic pub.