Outlander fans are asked to pay their respects when visiting Culloden

Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room
Photo credit: Outlander/Starz Image acquired via Starz Media Room

Outlander fans are urged to remember what Culloden is when visiting.

The loss at the battle of Culloden was the turning point for the Jacobite rebellion. There was no coming back from the losses that they received at the hands of the British army and it was no surprise that shortly after the battle the Jacobite rebellion was no more.

That loss also marked the end of the Highlanders way of life. Strict sanctions soon came after; banning of the house tartan, speaking Gaelic, etc. While some traditions have returned overtime, many were forever lost.

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Culloden symbolises many things, including those losses for many people, and Outlander fans are no exception. The Battle of Culloden was a huge point in the Outlander series, and due to this, significant interest in the area from has increased.

Remember the fallen

While many do appreciate the interest in Culloden and the tourism industry is booming because of Outlander fans, historians and the few remaining Jacobites themselves are concerned about what is happening when fans visit the battlefield. Comments have been made that many see themselves as if visiting a film set with selfie’s being taken, small crosses with Sam Heughan/Jamie Fraser on them being placed, people having picnics next to the headstones, and more.

All of this has raised a few eyebrows on how the proper respect is not being placed when visiteding. The site, after all, is a battlefield and graveyard with some bodies only buried several feet deep below the surface. Some historians and staff at Culloden have pointed out that people would be angry at any disrespect at Gettysburg, and that Culloden should be treated in the same way.

Diana Gabaldon weighs in

Diana Gabaldon herself has also weighed in on the matter. She has taken to Twitter to say that;

"“I know almost everyone approaches Culloden with the respect due to its mournful history and the fact that it is a war grave. But for the few…maybe think twice?”"

The overall message is that everyone is more than happy for people to come, visit and remember what happened on Culloden, but do remember that this is no ordinary place. It’s a memorial to those who fell.

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What do you think? Did you even know that Culloden was an actual place and an actual war grave? Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

Outlander Season 4 is currently in production. It is expected to return later this year.