OUTLANDER ...an insider’s guide
All you need to know about TV epic as it hits UK screens
AGAINST a backdrop of Scotland’s most magnificent scenery, it depicts a sizzling romance that spans centuries.
Now, in one of the most hotly anticipated TV events of the year, fantasy series Outlander – which has achieved cult status in the US and Australia – will finally arrive on UK television this month.
The show has already delivered a multimillion-pound boost for Scottish tourism.
As millions of global viewers have become hooked on the sexually charged plots and fierce battles of the first two seasons, many have flocked to Scotland to visit the characters’ mystical world. Visitor numbers at Outlander’s filming locations have soared and at least three tour companies are running sightseeing trips lasting several days.
On Friday, VisitScotland chief executive Malcolm Roughead said that since the show was first broadcast in 2014, tourism north of the Border had rocketed. He said: ‘The phenomenal success of Outlander has provided a fantastic boost to tourism. It has captured the imagination of fans all over the world, inspiring many of them to come to Scotland and follow in the characters’ footsteps.’
Doune Castle near Stirling, which stands in for Castle Leoch in the series, had a 44 per cent increase in visitors last year, while Blackness Castle on the south shore of the Firth of Forth – which doubles as Fort William – has had 28 per cent more people through its gates.
This is set to grow again after last week’s announcement that Outlander will be broadcast on More4 from June 29. Mr Roughead said: ‘It’s likely the “Outlander effect” will continue for some time.’
Timberbush Tours has been running Outlander-themed excursions since April – with more than 500 people signing up.
Representative Amy Miller said: ‘We hope to see a greater interest from local people who wish to discover filming locations.’
Rabbie’s tours offers a four-day trek across filming locations, while Trafalgar’s ‘Highland trail inspired by Outlander’ covers 28 sites in 13 days.