4 Day Outlander Highlights

This morning we head south for a visit to Glencorse Old Kirk in the grounds of Glencorse House. Who can forget when Claire and Jamie tied the knot in episode 7 (The Wedding) of season 1? It was at this 17th century church in Milton Bridge, south of Edinburgh that Jamie married Claire, saving her from the hands of Black Jack Randall and their adventures truly began. The Kirk dates back to the 17th century and the famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson worshiped there and indeed wrote about the Kirk and its woodland setting on a number of occasions.

Moving on, we travel to the banks of the Forth river and enjoy a visit to the formidable fortress of Blackness Castle which stood in for Fort William in Outlander Series 1.  In the past this 15th century castle was never just a peaceful lordly residence, its enduring roles were as a garrison fortress and state prison.  Situated in a stunning location on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth, it is dubbed the ‘ship that never sailed’.   After a tour of the castle, we will head for nearby Midhope Castle.

 Used as Lallybroch (also known as Broch Tuarach), Midhope Castle is a 16th-century tower house located in Abercorn, on the Hopetoun estate. On arrival, you’ll discover that it is every bit as impressive in real life as Lallybroch, with the familiar approach and entrance to the building. Left to Jamie by his parents, Brian and Ellen, Lallybroch is also home to Jamie’s sister, Jenny, her husband Ian Murray and their children. With Lallybroch being an important part of the Outlander story, many hours of filming took place at Midhope Castle. Overnight Stirling.

Once a royal residence, Doune Castle is full of charm with its 100 ft. high gatehouse and stunningly preserved great hall.  Outlander fans will recognise Doune as Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century episodes.  It also features in the 20th century episode where Claire and Frank visit the castle in ruins on a day trip.  After a full tour of the castle, we will make our way to Deanston Distillery for an interesting tour and tasting.  

We arrive at Deanston Distillery for a tour and tasting of the wonderful, fresh, honeyed sweetness that Deanston is known for. Discover where and how they make this delicious scotch whisky on your distillery tour. After we’ve been shown around, you’ll get the chance to taste 3 delicious single malts – the classic 12 year old, and 2 favourite bottlings. You’ll explore the impact that time, cask and climate has on the spirit for a real in-depth tasting journey in the dedicated tasting room. When we are ready, we will tour to Drummond Castle Gardens.

Our journey takes us through the ‘Sma Glen’ - a scenic glen in central Perthshire with the fast-flowing River Almond running along the narrow valley floor. Viewed as one of Europe’s and Scotland’s most important and impressive formal gardens, the spectacular Perthshire gardens of Drummond Castle date back to the 17th Century. The gardens were redesigned and terraced in the 19th Century and the formal gardens that can be seen today were largely replanted in the 1950s. The ancient yew hedges and the remaining beech tree planted by Queen Victoria, commemorating her visit in 1842. The beautiful formal gardens of this historic castle were used as the park and orchard of the Palace of Versailles in Outlander Season 2.  

If time allows, we will take in the traditional Scots market town of Crieff set amidst Perthshire’s stunning scenery. Overnight Perth.

This morning we travel a short distance to visit Tibbermore Church. This 17th century Parish Church appeared in season 1 of Outlander. It played the part of the court used in the witch trial where Claire and Geillis sat in the dock, accused of witchcraft. Viewers will no doubt remember Claire and Geillis sitting in the dock, accused of witchcraft. Despite the best efforts of Ned Gowan, Geillis is sent from here to be burned, as Jamie rides off with Claire.

Falkland was used as the filming location for Inverness in Outlander, and we will have our lunch stop here as well and spend some time seeing the village square and quaint shops along the way. In the heart of the village lies Falkland Palace, a 16th century ‘pleasure palace’ of the Scottish Kings. It is well known as the beloved residence of the Scottish monarchs and was one of Mary, Queen of Scots' favourite escapes from the political and religious turmoil during her reign.

Tour the palace and learn more about the Stuart Dynasty before we head for  the east coast to visit the charming East Neuk fishing villages, Neuk' being the old Scots word for corner.  The delightful East Neuk villages, nestling amongst the natural harbours of the coastline, are testimony to the heritage of sea-fishing that still lives on in this area.  We explore Anstruther and Crail which has one of the prettiest harbours and is well known for its shellfish. Overnight Fife.

After breakfast we tour down the coast to visit Aberdour Castle which constitutes one of the earliest surviving stone castles in mainland Scotland, being first built in the 13th century. Over the next 400 years the castle was successively developed accounting to contemporary architectural ideas. In Outlander, Aberdour plays the part of the Benedictine monastery, Abbey Ste Anne de Beaupre.  It is here that Jamie recovers from his injuries at the hands of “Black Jack” Randall.

Overlooking the Firth of Forth, the charming town of Culross is about as close to stepping back in time to the 18th century as is possible.  The rustic whitewashed, red-tiled buildings are well preserved, such as the Town House, where witches were tried and held while awaiting execution.  The Mercat area of the town was transformed into the village of Cranesmuir, home of Geillis Duncan and her husband Arthur, and behind the impressive historic Culross Palace is where you can find the gorgeous herb garden that Claire works.  It is planted with lawns, herbs and vegetables of the period.  

We tour back to the city and end the day at the far end of the Royal Mile with an afternoon visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Built between 1671-1678 this is the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century. View the stunning Royal Apartments, which show the different tastes of each monarch with fine plasterwork ceilings and decadent furnishings. 

During September and October of 1745, Charles Edward Stuart held court at the Palace of Holyroodhouse for a whole 5 weeks during the Jacobite Rising. Upon his arrival at the palace of his Stuart ancestors, he was preceded by the veteran Jacobite Robert Hepburn of Keith with a drawn sword and cheered on by great crowds of supporters. Bonnie Prince Charlie used the Great Gallery as his Audience Chambers during the day, and it was transformed each evening for extravagant balls and receptions.

On a tour round the palace, you can see the Great Gallery, hung with portraits of the real and legendary kings of the country, and see the display on the Order of the Thistle, the highest honour in Scotland. Explore the historic Holyrood Abbey ruins and learn of the building’s fascinating history through the centuries from its beginnings in 1128. Tour ends in Edinburgh.