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Diana Gabaldon honored by VisitScotland for contribution to tourism

By Alexandria Ingham

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 10: Author Diana Gabaldon speaks onstage during the 'Outlander' panel discussion at the Starz portion of the 2014 Winter Television Critics Association tour at the Langham Hotel on January 10, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 10: Author Diana Gabaldon speaks onstage during the 'Outlander' panel discussion at the Starz portion of the 2014 Winter Television Critics Association tour at the Langham Hotel on January 10, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) /
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We’ve all heard of the Outlander Effect. Now it’s time for the person behind the Outlander Effect to be recognized. Diana Gabaldon has been honored by VisitScotland for her contribution to tourism.

The Outlander Effect is something we talk of a lot. Tourism around Scotland has increased considerably over the last few years, as fans of the TV series visit the filming locations. Others will visit the historical landmarks mentioned in the books and show. It’s not surprising (and quite frankly long overdue) that Diana Gabaldon is being honored for her contribution to tourism.

While it may be the TV show that has led to the filming locations becoming central to tourism, the novels are what started them all. A little more than two decades ago, one woman sat down to work on something for herself; to create a novel that nobody was ever meant to see. That novel was Outlander and the whole universe has developed since then.

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VisitScotland states that tourism has been boosted by two-thirds in the locations linked to the series, according to The Scotsman. Quite honestly, VisitScotland understands that it’s the show that has done this. Sure, other shows and movies, including Outlaw King and Mary, Queen of Scots have used some of the same locations but it’s the time-traveling love story that put the locations on the map — even has tours around it.

Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culloden Battlefield, and Doune Castle are four of the locations that have benefited the most from the Outlander Effect. While the show may now be set mostly in North Carolina, Scotland has remained the base of operations and areas like Cumbernauld has been one of the locations routinely used.

People are coming from around the world to see the locations and go on guided tours. Even local people are visiting their local sites, taking in the history of their own country. It’s no surprise but it is a long time coming that Diana Gabaldon has been honored by VisitScotland for her contribution.

Next. 5 reasons Outlander fans should watch Mary, Queen of Scots. dark

Have you been on an Outlander tour? Which locations are you still to visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Follow Claire and Jamie on Twitter for more information about how Outlander has helped Scottish tourism.

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