Outlander tours are extremely popular with fans of the books and series. The locations, both filming and real, are being affected but there are steps Outlander fans can take to experience the sights and preserve them at the same time.
Outlander fans want to see the locations in the series. Whether they want to experience the battleground at Culloden or would like to see some of the filming locations used for Lallybroch and Castle Leoch, Outlander tours are extremely important. The problem is many of the locations are being damaged.
The latest location to suffer is Culloden itself. Due to the extra footfall around the Clan Fraser headstone and the bad weather, the ground has been damaged. It’s now blocked from tourists to allow for new grass and plants to be planted around the area.
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While there are some who don’t want Outlander fans at the historic sights, Culloden’s interim property manager, Katey Boal doesn’t want that to happen. She’s glad that Outlander has helped to make people more aware of this part of Scottish history and that the locations can offer a deeper insight into the real history. However, there are steps all fans can take to preserve the locations while on their tours and experiencing the sites.
Remember where you are
One of the most important things is to remember where you are. You’re on historic land, whether at Culloden or a location that isn’t even a museum or battleground! The majority of you will respect the places you are, but there is a small minority that tend to forget; viewing locations as filming spots and only filming spots.
The Clan Fraser headstone is one of the first that you will come to when at Culloden. It’s not surprising there is a lot of footfall and that’s without the books and TV series playing a part. However, remember that this is a grave marker for the fallen.
Chairman of the 1745 Association, Michael Nevin, is thankful for the “Outlander effect” but doesn’t want to see the historical integrity compromised. We all have a duty to remember what happened at the sites.
Spend equal time at Outlander locations and other historical sites
There is so much history around Scotland. Outlander touches on the ’45, but this is a country that has seen bloodshed, wars, and a monarchy dating back centuries.
Former Culloden property manager Hugh Allison now runs a series of tours around the location, including those that are Outlander themed. He shares that even his book/show inspired tours will spend equal time at all the headstones. While Frasers and MacKenzies are both most known to the fans, there were so many other clans that fell. It’s important to remember these men, women, and children who were all killed at Culloden.
There are many other battlefields, too. Outlander focused mostly on Culloden and Prestonpans, but don’t forget the likes of Falkirk and all the battles that were fought in earlier Jacobite risings. Spending equal time throughout Scottish history will give you a deeper understanding of the culture and country, while also helping to spread out the footfall and protect all locations.
Alison Weir’s upcoming tour of Scotland will feature some particular spots from the series, but will also focus on others. If you love the Scottish history you’ve learned from the books and series, you’ll love all the other history here.
Leave nothing and take only photographs
Allison goes on to share that all visitors (and not just Outlander fans) should respect the sites. The rule is to “leave nothing and take only photographs.” This will help to preserve the beauty and peace of the various areas.
If you do see trash left behind by others, pick it up and take care of it. This will help to prevent further damage. If you see someone drop trash, mention it to them and remind them of the history of the location.
When taking photos, be respectful of others and the specific spot. For example, taking a selfie next to the Clan Fraser headstone isn’t respectful of the Fraser men, women, and children who fell.
Next: The Outlander Effect: A virtual tour of Scotland
What tips would you give those visiting the filming locations and historic sites on tours? How would you preserve the locations but still experience everything? Share your tips below.
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