Visits boosted by ‘Outlander’
A top TV series is being credited with boosting visitor numbers at a West Lothian landmark.
The ‘Outlander effect’ has seen a 43 per cent increase in numbers at Linlithgow Palace after the building had a cameo appearance in the programme.
The start of the summer season 2017 has seen sites in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, which have a starring role in the hit TV series, record dramatic increases in footfall from the same period last year.
Blackness Castle - which also features in the series as the stand in for Fort William - has seen the most significant rise in visitors, up 72 per cent for the period April 1 to June 25.
The announcement comes as the historical time-travel drama series made its UK terrestrial television debut this week.
Stephen Duncan, director of commercial and tourism at Historic Environment Scotland, who manage 300 Historic Scotland visitor attractions, said: “I’m delighted to welcome this boost in visitor numbers as we continue to celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.
“This is an excellent return on the investment we have made across our estate. Featuring in ‘Outlander’ has opened up our sites to a whole new audience, inspiring more and more visitors to come and discover the history behind these places, further demonstrating the enduring value and significance of heritage attractions in Scotland.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the international success of ‘Outlander’ continues to draw visitors from around the world to visit treasured heritage sites like Doune Castle and Blackness Castle and find out more about Scotland’s rich history and fascinating heritage. The TV drama showcases Scotland to international audiences and has helped strengthen the growth we’re seeing in tourism from overseas. I’m delighted Scottish and UK audiences will now be able to watch ‘Outlander’ on terrestrial TV, and look forward to seeing the impact on visitor numbers to the heritage sites that provide the stunning backdrop to the series.”