Like many people my interest in Scotland peaked when I began reading and watching the Outlander series, written by Diana Gabaldon. Outlander is about a woman named Claire who is on her honeymoon in Scotland in the 1940’s after WW2. While foraging for medicinal herbs she comes across mystical stones that transport her back in time to 1700’s Scotland. Scotland in the 1700’s is a land of highlanders, clans and English “red coats”. Claire meets a young highlander named Jamie Fraser and together they fall in love and have many adventures together rooted in events from Scottish history.
I have been to the UK in the past, but never made my way to Scotland. After watching episodes of Outlander (on Starz) I decided Scotland would be my birthday trip. In March 2018 Darrel and I went to Scotland for my birthday. We spent the majority of our time in Inverness; a beautiful town dubbed the “Capital of the Highlands” where the River Ness and Moray Firth meet. Inverness is the largest city in the Highlands, but that’s not saying much. Inverness is walk-able with a lot of shops and restaurants. If you want to venture out of the city there is an easy to navigate bus system.
We searched for Nessie on Loch Ness (no we didn’t see her), went on whisky tours to Benromach and Glenfiddich distilleries, and took a tour to the Isle of Skye. The Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful, and dare I say magical, places I have ever seen. When I look back on my time in Scotland my day in the Isle of Skye was my favorite.
Being an Outlander fan a trip to Scotland would be incomplete without going to Culloden. The Battle of Culloden happened at Culloden Moor in April 1746. This would be the last Jacobite rising in Scotland to put Bonny Prince Charlie on the throne. In Outlander, the Battle of Culloden is a pivotal moment. Not only does Claire flee Scotland by going back through the stones to her own time after being in 1700’s Scotland for 3 years; but Jamie fights in the battle for his clan and is presumed dead. The tired and malnourished Highland clans were no match for the English RedCoats. The highlanders were slaughtered while the English saw minimal casualties.
The Battle of Culloden marked the end of highland life in Scotland. The English imprisoned and murdered Scottish highlanders who survived the uprising or were suspected sympathizers. Tartans and kilts were banned and Scottish highland culture changed significantly.
We visited Culloden on a cloudy cool April day; much like the day of the uprising. Walking the grounds where many highlanders fought and died (and many are still buried) was an emotional experience. There are stones with names of the clans who fought and died there. We found one with Darrel’s family name: MacLean. Time stands still when you realize one of your ancestors fought and died on the very ground you’re standing on. It was a moving moment for Darrel. We also found the stone for Fraser that had many flowers placed near it. Jamie Fraser is a fictional character but his name and experiences throughout the novels are grounded in history which makes his story real for many readers.
Diana Gabaldon’s books make Scotland a magical and romantic place. After visiting I have to agree: Scotland is magical. The people are kind and accommodating, the scenery is some of most beautiful on the planet and the pride within the Scottish people is infectious. Scots love their country, highland culture, their clans and whisky. Through all the trials the country has endured they have never lost their Scottish pride.
Our trip included: Inverness, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, whisky tours at Glenfiddich & Benromach, Culloden, and a day tour through the mountains of the Highlands where we also toured Eilean Donan, one of the oldest privately owned castles in Scotland (and in the Highlander movie!). We did not make it to the southwest part of the isle to Glascow, Sterling or The Hebrides. Next time!
Scotland is a great location for first time European travelers. The Scottish speak English but also Gaelic. It is easy to travel through with the Euro Rail and easy to navigate the bus system. If Scotland is on your bucket list and you’d like help booking your trip please give VanClark Travel a call.
