Outlander fans asked to be more respectful

● Concerns raised over picnics on graves at Culloden battlefield

Outlander fans have been asked to pay more respect when visiting Culloden battlefield amid reports of selfie-taking and picnics at clan graves.

The hugely successful series of books and television adaptations, which portrays events surrounding the 1746 battle, has driven a highly lucrative tourism boom in the Highlands.

But concerns have been raised that the battlefield at Culloden, which is a designated war grave, is not being treated appropriately by a small number of visitors.

Alasdair Macneill, of the Circle of Gentlemen, a Jacobite society, said he appreciated the interest in Scotland’s history.

However, he told a national newspaper: “These graves are only a foot deep. We really would ask that people respect what is a designated war grave

0 There are reports of picnics and selfie-taking at Culloden, which is a designated war grave where 1,200 men lie. Some of the things I have seen at Culloden have really got my back up.”

He added: “A lot of the visitors are American and seem to think they are on a film set rather than a war grave. They maybe don’t know the history. But how would they feel if I walked my dog across Gettysburg?”

He said he first witnessed picnics at clan graves around a decade ago with visitors taking selfies at the site now more common.

Tony Pollard, Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology at Glasgow University, said he had not witnessed such behaviour first had but that he was aware that soil around the grave marker for Clan Fraser, whose members are portrayed in the show, had become eroded.

Professor Pollard, who has advised producers of the show, posted on Twitter about a “few unthinking” Outlander fans.

He said: “Folks, great that you take the trouble to visit, but remember, Jamie Fraser is a fiction, the more than a thousand Jacobites buried there are not.”

Outlander writer Diana Gabaldon also posted: “I know almost everyone approaches Culloden with the respect due its mournful history and the fact that it is_a war grave. But for the few...maybe think twice?”

Katey Boal, interim property manager at Culloden, said: “The vast majority conduct themselves completely appropriately and treat the site and its features with respect.

“Where there are concerns, our staff always try to deal sensitively with issues as they arise. There has been an increase in interest thanks to Outlander.

“We see this as an excellent opportunity to engage with a new audience, giving these visitors a deeper insight into the real life events that inspired the series.”