HOLLYWOOD megastar Kate Winslet touched down in East Lothian as a county corporate and holiday retreat hosted the filming of an award-winning Universal Pictures production.

Post-production filming for the film Tár, which stars Cate Blanchett in the title role, took place at Papple Steading, near Garvald, in preparation for the film's release in the UK on Friday.

The film, directed by Todd Field, tells the story of renowned musician Lydia Tár, who is days away from recording the symphony that will elevate her career as her life unravels before her.

Blanchett's role has already been praised by critics, claiming Best Drama Actress for her performance at the Golden Globes, with the film hotly tipped to perform well in this year's Oscars.

East Lothian Courier: Pictured at the London premiere of Tár are (from left) Giles Heffer, Verity Sinclair, Todd Field, Eri Mackintosh and George Mackintosh

Pictured at the London premiere of Tár are (from left) Giles Heffer, Verity Sinclair, Todd Field, Eri Mackintosh and George Mackintosh

Field and his team utilised the comfort, seclusion, and security of Papple to complete their work, converting the historic farm building development to a post-production studio.

However, it was not Blanchett that graced the East Lothian farmstead, but Titanic star Winslet instead.

Winslet was not involved in the project but has worked with Field in previous productions.

Speaking of his time at Papple, the director said he would "always return" to the retreat.

He said: “Working at Papple Steading is impossible to fully describe, but I’ll try.

"Verity, George, and Giles provided the most caring and wonderful support in a setting whose beauty astounded one to wake up to each day.

'I will always return'

"I will always return to Papple – either for work or simply to visit for a cup of tea with these wonderful friends."

Tech entrepreneur George Mackintosh bought Papple Steading in 2017, which was described as one of Britain’s finest historic “model farms” of the Agricultural Improvement Movement.

The corporate and holiday retreat facilities at Papple consist of four properties: the farmhouse, Grieve’s Cottage, and two self-contained bothies, which have all been restored to retain original features.

The adjoining properties, which sleep up to 20 and have a total of 11 bathrooms, many ensuite, sit in six acres of lawns and an open field with another 20 acres of ancient woodland and a wildflower meadow.

Speaking of the visit, Mr Mackintosh, Papple Steading director, was delighted to welcome the production crew to the site.

He said: “Todd and the team were able to make full use of our direct-connected one gigabit digital service; the health studio, lounge and grand dining room became post-production studios, each with blackout blinds and multiple huge screens.

"Unfortunately, Miss Blanchett didn’t need to show, but we were delighted to welcome another Hollywood star in Kate Winslet!”