Outlander mania hits the Scottish Highlands
● Hundreds of fans of the TV series attended the annual gathering
It’s a television phenomenon, shining a light on the Jacobite era in Scotland.
And more than 220 fans, mostly women, of time-travelling drama Outlander were in Aviemore at the weekend for the annual Outlandish UK gathering.
Some had travelled thousands of miles, from the United States mainly but also South Africa, Canada and Australia.
Following tours of Culloden Moor and Clava Cairns, there were tartan bonnets, fancy frocks and wraps of plaid on show at the opening party, where whisky cocktails were served and Highland dancing and drumming soaked up by the crowd.
Writers skilled in retelling the Jacobite story, including Hugh Allison and Maggie Craig, led talks and were in high demand.
What bound it all together was a very particular kinship amongst this fan crew.
Many had met before, this being the third event of its type organised by a fan group that first met in an Edinburgh pub in 2014. Then, only 20 people were expected – but more than 120 came this year.
“To think that Diana Gabaldon sparked all this from her books is just amazing,” said Susan Palmer, 58, from Texas. Sheila Phelps Cabrera, from California, who befriended Susan at the 2014 pub gathering, said: “People I have met at the Gatherings have come from Scotland to visit the States and we have come back to Scotland several times. It is like a family of like minded people.”
Mrs Phelps Cabrera said this tripwasparticularlyemotional given she underwent cancer surgery three months ago.“when I was told I didn’t have to go to chemo, the first thing my husband did was turn to me and said ‘now you can go to Scotland’,” she said. “The trip is extra special to me. It is uplifting for people to be here among so many friends,” she added.
The fandom does not go unnoticed by top figures in the show. Executive producer Ronald D Moore and his wife, costume designer Terry Dresbach, sent a representative to hand out thank you gifts from the couple.
Scottish actor Richard Rankin, who plays Roger Wakefield in the show, was the mystery cast member to take part in this year’s Q&A. Rankin thanked fans for their sup- port. He said: “Outlander fans are on of the most passionate and vocal fan groups. When it came to Scotland it had a massive impact on the Scottish television industry. We now have our film studios which are ever expanding and its provided a heck of a lot of work for Scottish crew and cast.”
The Outlandish UK gathering also raises around £25,000 for charities supported by main Outlander characters.