Putting Outlander on the map

To celebrate Season 4 of Outlander coming to Prime Video on 5th November, lovers of the show can relive all the dramatic twists and turns of the past three seasons by exploring the stunning Scottish sites which have appeared in the smash-hit series.

VisitScotland recently created its biggest set-jetting map of the show to date, highlighting the latest locations to take a starring role in the epic time-travelling love story.

Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe), a married English combat nurse from 1945 who, while on her second honeymoon in Inverness, is mysteriously swept back in time to the 18th-century Scottish Highlands. There she meets Jamie (played by Scottish actor Sam Heughan), a chivalrous young warrior, with whom she becomes romantically entwined.

The Signet Library in Edinburgh, Glasgow University and Dunure Harbour in Ayrshire are among some of the attractions featured in the third season which picked up right after Claire (Caitriona Balfe) travels through the stones to return to her life in 1948. Now pregnant, she struggles with the fallout of her sudden reappearance and its effect on her marriage to her first husband, Frank (Tobias Menzies). Meanwhile, in the 18th century, Jamie (Sam Heughan) suffers from the aftermath of his doomed last stand at the historic battle of Culloden, as well as the loss of Claire.

As the years pass, Jamie and Claire attempt to make a life apart from one another, each haunted by the memory of their lost love. The budding possibility that Claire can return to Jamie in the past breathes new hope into Claire’s heart… as well as new doubt. Separated by continents and centuries, Claire and Jamie must find their way back to each other. As always, adversity, mystery, and adventure await them on the path to reunion. And the question remains: when they find each other, will they be the same people who parted at the standing stones, all those years ago?

The blockbuster fantasy show, along with the successful books, have inspired a range of tours and catapulted the real-life attractions and places from the series into the spotlight. Locations to feature in series 3 include:

Glasgow University

The historic institute doubled for Harvard University where Frank, Claire’s husband, taught. Established in 1451, Glasgow University is the 4th oldest university in the English-speaking world and the second largest example of Gothic Revival architecture in Britain.

Craigmillar Castle

The ruined medieval castle of Craigmillar in Edinburgh plays the role of Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie is incarcerated. As one of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland, this castle offers great views of the city as well as some fascinating history including offering a safe-haven to Mary Queen of Scots following the murder of her Italian Secretary David Rizzio.

Kelvingrove Park

The beautiful Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow doubles for the Boston Park were Claire frequently takes walks. Visit the park with its many statues, monuments and varied wildlife and the nearby Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

Signet Library

The stunning interior of the Signet Library in the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town was transformed into the Governor’s Mansion in Jamaica. The library is home to the prestigious Society of Writers to her Majesty’s Signet (also known as the WS Society) which dates to the 15th century. The ‘writers’ of documents sealed them with ‘the Signet’, the private seal of the Scottish kings.

Bakehouse Close

Bakehouse Close just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is the setting for Jamie’s Print Shop and where we see Claire reunited with Jamie after years of separation. This is one of the best-preserved closes in the city and was transformed into busy 18th Century Edinburgh for exterior shots of the Print Shop. Just next door you’ll find the Museum of Edinburgh which tells the tale of life in Scotland’s Capital.

Tweeddale Court

The hustle and bustle of the market where Claire was reunited with Fergus was filmed in Tweeddale Court. The entrance to this time capsule of a street is from the historic Royal Mile, take time to explore one of the oldest parts of Edinburgh.

Dunure Harbour

The little harbour in the village of Dunure in Ayrshire stands in for Ayr Harbour as Claire and Jamie leave Scotland in pursuit of Young Ian. Less than a mile away is Dunure Castle that featured as Silkie Island.

Outlander is produced by Tall Ship Productions, Story Mining and Supply Company, and Left Bank Pictures, in association with Sony Pictures Television.

For more Outlander-inspired adventures visit: www.visitscotland.com/outlander