
Outlander fans flock to historic sites ahead of final season
Since its debut in 2014, the blockbuster series has significantly boosted tourism, with some historic sites reporting visitor numbers soaring by more than 200%.
Among the most popular destinations is Midhope Castle in the Hopetoun estate, about four kilometres west of South Queensferry.
The landmark gained global fame as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser's ancestral home.
Up until a few years ago, this was farmland with next to zero visitors. Now, 80,000 tourists are expected this summer alone. STV News
'It's quite a lot of people, to say the least,' James Gourlay from Midhope Castle said.
'We used to be a farmyard, then everything changed. STV News
'Outlander is a fantastic story. People are coming here from all over the world. It's been a joy.'
The castle's popularity has provided opportunities to showcase the wider Hopetoun Estate and its real-life history.
'It gave us the opportunity to tell the proper history of who worked and stayed here. It's been good fun.'
Inspired by the series, photographer Daria Bilyk runs Outlander photoshoots, complete with custom-made period costumes.
'I didn't want to just have people wearing jeans and puffer jackets – I wanted to tell the story,' she added. STV News Supplied
Daria has captured people of all ages and walks of life, from newlyweds and anniversary couples to people on solo adventures.
'People are in love with the show and want to romanticise their lives, living through these characters,' she said.
'But we've also had some people who haven't even watched Outlander; they just want to wear beautiful attire and have a great time, make memories, and bring these photos as souvenirs from Scotland.
'Photographs live on, and I'm a small part of it. It makes me proud to do this. It's incredible to witness.' Supplied
According to a Visit Scotland survey, 36% of European visitors and 37% of long-haul visitors are inspired to visit the country due to films, TV series and books set in Scotland.
While bumping into celebrities isn't guaranteed, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Outlander through its filming locations.
Key locations including Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Midhope Castle, Culross, Falkland and the Highland Folk Museum have become fan favourites.
Culross Palace in Dunfermline is a main destination for fans and is now also home to a costume worn by an Outlander character inspired by a historical figure.
Geillis Duncane was the name of a real woman who was tried as a witch in 1591 during the North Berwick witch trials in Scotland.
The 'withdrawing room' in the palace is used as the fictional Geillis's parlour in season one. STV News STV News
Tour guide Fiona Morrison said: 'Geillis is a real person who lived in the 1590s near Edinburgh. She was a servant girl, and unfortunately, she was accused of being a witch by her employer, David Seaton. She was strangled and burned.
'We always try to fit in real history. We make visitors aware that although the building was used in Outlander, it has its own fantastic history as well.'
While the Outlander story might be reaching its final chapter, its legacy will likely be felt for some time yet.
The National Trust for Scotland say screen tourism is now a vital part of its conservation work.
Filming manager Anna Rathband: 'It's been huge – the show has helped highlight Scottish history and engage fans from all over the world. It's been fantastic to see.
'Income from filming goes directly back to the conservation of the site. There's also the legacy of film tours, which is a significant part of how we engage with our audience.
'It's been really rewarding.'
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