Capital to enjoy starring role as Outlander returns for third season
The international drama series Outlander returns on Monday for the third season, with Edinburgh taking centre stage for the first time since its arrival on screens in 2014.
Season 3 sees the cast once again travel through time, with Edinburgh providing many of the key backdrops.
Millions of fans watching Outlander can look out for the ruined medieval Craigmillar Castle, the cobbled Bakehouse Close within the Old Town, and the historic and grand Signet Library, in the heart of the city.
The filming was carried out in September 2016 and January of this year, with further filming also commissioned at Hopetoun House in East Lothian, which featured as the home of the Duke of Sandringham in season one.
The city’s role in the smashhit drama is expected to spark a surge in screen tourism to Scotland’s capital.
Based on the international best-selling book by Diana Gabaldson, the series uses Scotland’s landscapes to share the adventures of former Second World War nurse Claire Randall.
Earlier seasons featured locations such as Preston Mill and Gosford House in East Lothian.
This is the first time Outlander has been filmed in Edinburgh and sees lead actor Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, return to his teenage stomping ground where he developed his People’s Choice award-winning talent at the Royal Lyceum Theatre.
Rosie Ellison, film manager at Film Edinburgh, said: “It’s great to have another production shine a light on our beautiful and historic city. Edinburgh’s potential as a filming location really has no limits with every street and building offering something completely different and unique which is evident in the locations Outlander has chosen to film in.
“We’re thrilled to have three new locations feature in the new season and anticipate an ‘Outlander effect’ in the capital.
“It’s a huge opportunity for us to reach Outlander’s millions of fans across the globe and we imagine Edinburgh will really reap the benefits.”