‘Outlander effect’ brings tourist boom to cairn site
● Hit TV show sparks interest in prehistoric burial site near Culloden
It is one of Scotland’s most mysterious ancient burial sites which has been a sacred place for millennia. Now, a new generation of tourists are flocking to the Clava Cairns thanks to a cult television series.
Tourism officials say the historic site, near Culloden, has become increasingly popular with fans of Outlander, the fantasy drama series based on the novels of Diana Gabaldon.
The show, which follows the story of a Second World War army nurse who is transported back to 18th century Scotland, has attracted a loyal following on both sides of the Atlantic.
Although the Clava Cairns do not feature in the series, fans claim the site was the inspiration for Craigh na Dun, a fictitious stone circle that plays a significant part in its story, acting as a portal between eras.
The connection has led to the latest example of the so-called “Outlander Effect”, which sees viewers from around the world visit real-life locations tied to the show.
Duncan Macpherson, who represents Inverness South on Highland Council, said the wider area was enjoying a windfall as a result.
He said: “The stones are becoming like a mini-stonehenge.
“People are coming from all over the world to see them and be photographed beside the stones, which is great for the area. Tourists are coming in their droves.
“The other week there were about 12 buses in the one day and of course it’s a boost for the city’s hotels, bars, restaurants and other sites.”
The Clava Cairns, which are around 4,000 years old, date from two periods. It is believed the first row of large cairns was erected at around 2,000BC, while a thousand years later, the cemetery was reused, with several smaller monuments built. Two parts of the site are open to members of the public.
Stephen Duncan, director of commercial and tourism at Historic Environment Scotland, said the success of the series, which airs in the UK on the More4 channel, had brought about a spike in visitor numbers.
He said: “We have seen historic sites in our care, such as Clava Cairns, experience a significant surge in visitor numbers due to the Outlander Effect, and the start of the summer season has seen sites right across Scotland record dramatic increases in footfall from the same period last year.”