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STV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Outlander fans flock to historic sites ahead of final season
The eighth and final season of Outlander will soon hit our screens with fans across the world braced for the end of an era. 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.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Daily Record
Scotland's top destination for 'family holidays on a budget' named
The region was praised for its high number of attractions and activities. A Scottish region has been crowned the best in the country for a family holiday on a budget. It was also named one of the best staycation destinations in the UK. With summer ramping up, families all over Scotland will be trying to think of last-minute holiday ideas. It can be difficult to know where to head for a summer break, especially for those who are on a tighter budget. On Wednesday, June 18, self-catering accommodation specialists Hoseasons shared a list of the top budget-friendly places in the UK for a family holiday. The experts considered factors such as the average cost of a holiday park and the amount of child-friendly attractions, with each location given a score out of 100. The only Scottish destination to appear on the top 10 is Scottish Highlands, placing fourth on the overall list. The Highlands received a score of 58.67. Although placing fourth on the UK-wide list, the Scottish Highlands came first in two categories. With more than 255 budget-friendly family attractions and almost 150 child-friendly attractions per 100,000 people, the region is filled with vistas and things to do for a memorable experience. One attraction singled out by the experts is the historic Urquhart Castle, which offers visitors the chance to explore a piece of history. Meanwhile, the many nearby hikes and trails offer miles of breathtaking views. Another popular family-friendly attraction in the Scottish Highlands is the Loch Ness Centre. The state-of-the-art centre features exhibitions all about the history of legendary loch and its famous monster. There are also a variety of free activities on offer around the Highlands. In addition to spectacular beauty spot such as Ben Nevis and Steall Waterfall, free attractions include the Highland Folk Museum, the Inverness Botanic Gardens, and the Whin Park adventure play area. On the other hand, the average cost of a holiday park in the Scottish Highlands was found to be higher than all other locations in the top 10. According to Hoseasons, holidaymakers can expect to pay £959 on average for a holiday park. Other destinations to be named among the best budget-friendly family holidays include the Isle of Wight and Dorset, placing first and second respectively. Rounding out the top five are Devon in third place and Essex in fifth. General Manager at Hoseasons Gemma Brown commented: "Family holidays present some of the best opportunities to spend quality time with the people you love and make memories that can last a lifetime, so they really should be accessible for everyone. "It's important to remember that you don't need to splash out in order to have a great holiday, even just a simple change of scenery can bring chances to relax and experience something new together. "Staycations are a brilliant option for this. There's no long journey, so you can maximise your time as a family, and the familiarity of holidaying in the UK means there's no need to adjust or acclimatise. "You can load up the car with all the essentials and head off without the stress and the best part is, many of the most memorable moments don't cost a thing. Skimming stones, crabbing, exploring rock pools, it's all right here, simple and free." She added: "Working within a budget doesn't mean your children won't appreciate the break. Plan around what they love, enjoy watching them soak it all in, and when they've worn themselves out, you'll get that well-earned moment to unwind. "Don't forget that you're on holiday too!" See below for the full list of the 10 UK destinations that "make for the best family holidays on a budget". Further information can be found on the Hoseasons website. The UK destinations that make for the best family holidays on a budget Isle of Wight Dorset Devon Scottish Highlands Essex East Sussex Kent Cumbria Norfolk Gloucestershire
