Scotland has always fascinated me with its history and touch of magic. When I discovered Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, I was already a fan before reading the first chapter, and the TV series drew me in immediately. The theme song, The Skye Boat Song, perfectly captures the mystical feel of the show. So, when I got the chance to spend a few days in Scotland, I jumped at the chance to check out some Outlander filming locations.
An Outlander Tour with a Guide Who Was on the Show
With limited time in Glasgow, I chose the shortest tour, which covered five main filming locations from the series. At the meeting spot, I easily recognized my guide, Andy, because he was dressed in a full 17th-century Scottish outfit with the Fraser/MacKenzie tartan. Andy was an actor in season one of the show and had interesting facts about working with the cast. His stories added some fun and behind-the-scenes information to the tour.
Must See Outlander Filming Locations
Culross
“Culross is such a stunning wee town, which dates back to the 6th century, founded by St. Serf and also the birthplace of St. Mungo, Patron Saint of Glasgow,” says Andy. This village, with its historic houses and cobblestone streets, was used a lot in season one of Outlander. In the show, Culross Palace, a 17th-century mansion, served as Claire Fraser’s herb garden and Geillis Duncan’s house. You can also see the town square where Jamie helps a boy whose ear is nailed to the pillory. The village was also used for the Witch Trials in season one and different scenes in seasons 2 and 4. Even if you’re not an Outlander fan, Culross Palace and the town are worth visiting for their history and charm.
Fans to the Rescue
This is one place you must make a stop on your Outlander filming locations tour. Culross’s Red Lion Inn was almost sold to developers, but Outlander‘s Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) called on fans to help save it for the community. “Many shares were bought by international tourists, including Outlander fans I’ve brought to see the Red Lion,” says Andy. “The Red Lion is a special place, and I love it.” He also recommends the sticky toffee pudding if you visit!
Midhope Castle
Midhope is a historic castle in Scotland known as the Fraser family home in Outlander. If you’ve seen the latest episodes with Brie and Roger visiting Lallybroch, that’s how visitors see it now. The windows are boarded up, and the inside is closed to the public, but you can still imagine Claire and Jamie coming up the stairs or his sister, Jenny. “Fans might not realize that all the inside shots are filmed in a studio,” says Andy. “The castle dates back to the 16th century.” Farm workers lived there until a fire destroyed much of it in 1952. In the show, it becomes the perfect fixer-upper for Brie and Roger, who want to buy it in the 70s.
Abercorn Church
Located in Abercorn village near South Queensferry, this church is Frank Randall’s final resting place in Outlander. Brianna visits Frank’s grave here. “Abercorn church is full of treasures from the past,” says Andy. The graveyard has fascinating headstones with symbols showing what a person did for a living, like a rolling pin for a baker and an anvil for a blacksmith. The graves date back to 1662.
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth near Blackness village, is portrayed as Fort William in Outlander. This well-preserved fortress dates back to the 15th century and offers stunning views of the area. Blackness Castle was used for several scenes in the show, including Jamie’s imprisonment and flogging. “It’s known as the ship that never sailed,” says Andy, because it looks like a ship that’s run aground. “It was built by Sir George Crichton, and the central tower was used for prisoners who had fallen out of favor with the king.”
Doune Castle
Doune Castle, located near Doune village in central Scotland, represents Castle Leoch in Outlander. This medieval stronghold was the seat of Robert Stewart, who acquired it in 1361. It’s famous for its imposing architecture and has also appeared in other productions like Monty Python and the Holy Grail. You might recognize it from the pilot episode of Game of Thrones as Winterfell before filming moved to Ireland and Croatia. Visitors can explore Doune Castle and its grounds, used for various scenes from Outlander. While you can visit these locations yourself on your own Outlander filming location tour, a knowledgeable guide can give you fun anecdotes about the show and the history of these places. Andy will also show you how to wear the historic tartan by pleating it and rolling on the ground! You can even wear it during the tour for a more immersive experience.
For more information on joining one of Andy’s Outlander filming location tours, head to Highlander Tours.
