Dame Judi Dench explains her love for her ‘spiritual home’ of Scotland ahead of her Countryfile special

Judi Dench has called Scotland her ‘spiritual home’ after filming in the Scottish countryside for her Countryfile special.

Dame Judi is the guest editor for Sunday nights Countryfile on the BBC, where she will be joined by Charlotte Smith and Hamza Yassin from the Highlands of Scotland.

A preview of the episode shows the actress talking about her love for the country as she explains: ‘I would say, actually, that my spiritual home is Scotland, simply because I just feel comfortable here.’

A synopsis for the episode reads: ‘Judi Dench joins Charlotte Smith in the grounds of Inveraray Castle to reflect on the impact the countryside has had on her and her family.

‘She’s also joined by her grandson Sam to check in on a tartan that’s being created for her in which every thread tells a personal story.

Love: Judi Dench has called Scotland her ‘spiritual home’ after filming in the Scottish countryside for her Countryfile special (pictured with Charlotte Smith at Inveraray Castle on Countryfile)

‘Adam Henson meets her partner David Mills, who gave up dairying to create the British Wildlife Centre on his Surrey farm, while wildlife film-maker Hamza Yassin helps her fulfil a lifetime ambition to see golden eagles in the wild.’

Judi has had a lifelong love of the country and has filmed some of her biggest movies in Scotland.

1997 smash hit Mrs Brown, for which the actress won a BAFTA for her performance as Queen Victoria, was filmed at Duns Castle in the Borders region and on the Ardverikie Estate in Badenoch.

Meanwhile Glencoe, located in the Scottish Highlands, served as the backdrop for some of the most famous scenes in her last outing in the James Bond movie franchise, in 2012’s Skyfall. 

Back in January Dame Judi delighted guests at an Aberdeenshire hotel when she joined forces with Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri for an impromptu New Year’s Eve performance.

The veteran actress, 88, and the Scottish singer, 55, duetted a rendition of Waterloo by ABBA at The Fife Arms in Braemar.

The Hollywood star uses her episode of Countryfile to discuss her love of nature and her particular passion for trees.

Judi has told how many of the trees she has planted were for her late celebrity friends, saying: ‘I have a lot of famous people in my garden.’

The James Bond actress’ passion for trees started at a young age, as she recalled how she would feel when they were cut down.

She said: ‘As a child I used to get irrationally upset to see long lorries with huge trees on. I can’t explain that. I still don’t like seeing trees being felled.’ 

Nature lover: Dame Judi is the guest editor for Sunday nights Countryfile on the BBC , where she will be joined by Charlotte Smith and Hamza Yassin from the Highlands of Scotland 

Star: Judi has had a lifelong love of the country and has filmed some of her biggest movies in Scotland – including her last outing in the James Bond movie franchise, in 2012’s Skyfall

She also speaks to Countryfile regular Charlotte Smith during a visit to Inveraray Castle, in Argyll, where they discuss her failing eyesight.

When asked how she stays so positive about losing her sight, Judi says: ‘I have no option, or I’ll just fall over. But I’ve got wonderful people who help me.’

Judi recently candidly revealed that she can’t see on film sets anymore and isn’t able to read scripts.

Judi, who is known for her role in many major films, including the Bond franchise, suffers from advanced macular degeneration.

Countryfile airs on BBC One at 7pm on Sunday night.