It was the summer of 2013 when the US cable network Starz and Sony Pictures Television first announced their plans to adapt Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series for television.
The historical romance features Caitríona Balfe as time-travelling nurse Clair
Outlander effect: How a TV show is boosting Scottish tourism and history
The sweeping landscapes of Scotland have long captivated audiences, but the hit time-travelling drama Outlander has sparked a new wave of interest in the country’s history and culture, leading to a important boost in tourism.
The first season of Outlander wasn’t available in the UK until 2015,but even than,fans from the US and Germany were already travelling to Scotland to explore the filming locations. With nine books in the series – the first published in 1991 – and a dedicated fanbase organised into numerous groups centred around the books, the show, and its characters, the enthusiasm shows no sign of waning.This weekend sees the release of the TV prequel, Blood of My Blood, further fuelling the passion.
Fans have even adopted affectionate nicknames: the general fanbase are known as the “Outlandish”,followers of sam Heughan are “heughligans”,and those devoted to Caitríona Balfe are united in “Balfever”.
“It’s not just the locations,” explains Jenni Steele. “They’re really interested in getting under the skin of Outlander and it’s about discovering the real history behind Scotland and the stories they see on screen.”
The impact extends beyond international visitors, with many locals also learning more about their own heritage thru the program.
The group has gathered over a hundred songs which they sing while demonstrating the waulking and they say it makes onlookers emotional.
“We witness so many people in floods of tears while listening to us singing,” said Sheila. “Especially from across the pond.
“I think some of that is outlander-related, but it’s also about keeping the culture going, which isn’t happening in a lot of areas.”
Outlander: Blood of my Blood
Filming has already wrapped on the eighth season of Outlander, with the last show due to be released next year.But there’s a new chapter to this story.
A prequel to the books, Blood of My Blood, has been released in the US, with the UK release set for Saturday.