Written by new-contact on Aug 14, 2014. Posted in On Location

Scotland plans film tourism boost with launch of Outlander interactive map

VisitScotland is planning a nationwide film tourism boost with the launch of an interactive map tied to the launch of romantic time-travel miniseries Outlander. Webpage Outlander Scotland offers links to comprehensive Scottish history and culture tied to the drama’s filming locations.

Based on novels by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander tells the story of a nurse in World War II who finds herself sent back in time to and from the 18th Century Highlands. The drama has been filmed as a 16-part miniseries and was based at retrofitted studio facilities in Cumbernauld outside Glasgow. Location filming took place across Scotland.

The interactive map has been launched as part of a broader marketing campaign called Scotland: The Land That Inspired Outlander. Filming locations like the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Urquhart Castle and Fort William are being promoted as part of the tourism drive.

“Our new map and itinerary is the perfect way for fans of the Outlander books to follow in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire and this interest will only intensify with the release of the television series,” said Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland.

“As well as highlighting real locations that feature in the books, our map and itinerary also reveal the best places for visitors to trace their ancestry, learn about the Jacobite Uprising, and discover the real Scotland – the land that inspired Outlander.”

Scottish authorities see the potential for Outlander to have an impact similar to that of Game of Thrones, which has transformed the production industry in Northern Ireland and had a major impact on regional film tourism.

The Scottish government is under pressure to help the development of the national production industry with the building of a large-scale studio facility of its own. Several potential sites were included on a shortlist as part of a feasibility study earlier this year.

To see the interactive map click here.

(Photo: Nick Briggs – © 2014 Sony PicturesTelevision Inc)