In my life, in which I have enjoyed many highlights, going to Scotland and seeing sites from the show Outlander is a bucket list item now fulfilled. In the summer of 2023, I was searching for a series, I could stream. This is when I came across Outlander. Its first season began in 2014. The narrative includes a love story between sexy Jamie and beautiful Claire, time travel, and battles based upon historical events. The location is Scotland, during the 1700s. I became so obsessed with this story; I needed to follow in its character’s footsteps.
I booked a week–long tour of Scotland but visited early so I can just visit Outlander locations. I arranged a day with Experienced Tours. Alan, our driver, arrived at our Edinburgh hotel at 9am, wearing a kilt. He informed us that some spots may be closed, but he would make sure we would be satisfied with our trek.
https://www.experienced-tours.com/scotland/about/contact/
The Fourth Bridge
Although this is not Outlander related, we saw this engineering feat and wanted to share this with my WTH readers. The Fourth Bridge is red and is a cantilever railway bridge. It is 9 miles (14.48 km), completed in 1890. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was voted Scotland’s greatest man–made wonder in 2016.
Lallybroch- Midhope Castle
Lallybroch is presented as Jamie’s childhood home in the 18th century. It is actually the 15th–century home of the Earl of Hopetoun, Midhope Castle. was shown as a flashback that Jamie had as Black Jack Randall was approaching it with the redcoats. They only used the castle for external scenes because the inside is derelict.
Linlithgow
They used these grounds for several backdrops in the series. Hopetoun House was utilized as the Duke of Sandringham’s residence. I could not go inside because tours end in September. An outside scene of the Duke’s duel is set on the grounds. Another area was used as a Parisian street. One of the most horrific scenes was at the palace used as Wentworth Prison. This is where Jamie was tortured and raped by Black Jack. Another edifice used is Blackness Castle; they shot this as Fort William. In season 2, Jamie rescues Claire, and they jump from the battlements into the sea. Linlithgow has important historical significance as being the birthplace of Mary of Scots.
Culross/Cranesmuir
Cranesmuir was used as a Scottish village in the 17th and 18th centuries. The town is typical of the time and has an ancient cross and square. The cobblestone streets still have old cottages and cafes. In Outlander, this is where Claire gets her herbs, and Geillis was sentenced for being a witch.
Falkland/Inverness
Falkland in Outlanders portrays 1940s and 1960s Inverness, Scotland. The Covenanter Hotel, which was established in 1863, was the post–WWII Baird’s Bed & Breakfast. This was the site of what Frank, Claire’s husband, said was our “second honeymoon.” Claire returns to Inverness in the 1960s to the County Records Office to see if she can find information on Jamie. The building that was used is the Falkland Town Hall.
Notable historical points of interest are the Falkland Palace and the Bruce Fountain. The palace was used as a hunting lodge by the Stuarts. Mary Queen of Scots loved the building’s architecture, which was built between 1501- 1541 by James IV and James V. The Bruce Fountain is in the town square and is distinctive with four lion statues. Frank sees the fountain and notices a fellow dressed in Highland dress. It was night, and he was looking up at the inn’s bedroom window.
Conclusion
Outlander is heading into its eighth season, there are many sites I have yet to explore. I am so grateful to see what I did. It’s a wonderful feeling to get to fill that bucket. Whatever is on your list, go for it. Time is wasting, so WTH.
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