From India To Inverness: An 'Outlander' Fan’s Guide To Scotland On A Budget

The moment I found out I’d be spending a year in London for my master’s degree, my tryst with the Scottish Highlands was set in stone. My inner fangirl saved through weekend campus jobs so that I could live my "Outlander" fantasy; visiting real-life locations that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s story and filming sites that brought the TV series to life.

Screen tourism, a trend predicted to dominate travel in 2025 brings one in five travellers to Scotland. I was no exception. While others posed for photos at the Platform 9¾ setup at King’s Cross Station, I was lost in my own world, humming the song of a lass that is gone, and yes, that lass would be I.

From Lowlands To Highlands

My journey began with a scenic train ride from London to Edinburgh. Purchasing a Railcard, I enjoyed a 1/3 discount on all fares. Scotland is best explored by starting with the Lowlands (Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews), which have excellent intercity connectivity, and then venturing into the Highlands. For those short on time, packaged tours like the Highland Experience Tour provide a hassle-free way to explore remote locations. "Outlander"-themed tours cater specifically to fans, taking you to filming locations such as Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Falkland (Inverness), Blackness Castle (Fort William), and the Culloden Battlefield. These tours listed on the author's official website range from day trips to multi-day excursions, offering an efficient way to cover more ground.

Free Walking Tours In Edinburgh

While planning my trip, I discovered a free walking tour of Edinburgh. Led by a guide with a PhD in Scottish History, the two-hour tour began at the Royal Mile and explored iconic spots of the city.

Along the way, we delved into Scottish politics, the dramatic life of Mary Queen of Scots, and even the "Harry Potter" inspirations hidden in the city. These tours, which run daily, operate on a “pay what you feel” basis. While some contributed GBP 5 (approximately INR 550), others paid GBP 30 (INR 3,290), making it an affordable option for budget travellers.

I then ventured to Dean Village, Calton Hill, and Arthur’s Seat, all of which are easily accessible on foot, soaking in Edinburgh’s charm at my own pace.

Castles, Whisky And History

My ticket to The Palace of Holyroodhouse (the Buckingham Palace of Scotland) included a free audio guide that led me through its royal history. As the King's official residence in Edinburgh, the palace has housed royals for centuries including Bonnie Prince Charlie, who was defeated at the Battle of Culloden. I felt a wave of goosebumps as I walked through the room where David Rizzio, Mary, and Queen of Scots' private secretary, were murdered. The bloodstain from his tragic death still seeps through the wooden floor, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

Edinburgh Castle, though absent from the popular series, is one of the most iconic landmarks built atop an extinct volcano rock, famously used to hold prisoners of war. Walking through the castle, I was able to witness the famous one o’clock gun fired daily from the castle ramparts that echoes across the city.

A stone's throw from the castle is the renowned Scotch Whisky Experience, where I was immersed in an audio-visual, multisensory journey through the origins of whisky, the art of blending, and the tasting process.

Tackling The Highlands’ Connectivity

I then set off to the Highland of Inverness, where "Outlander's" story begins. What caught me off-guard was Scotland's vastness and the limited transport connectivity in the Highlands. Indian driving licenses are valid in the UK however, as a solo traveller, renting a car felt daunting due to potential emergencies. Buses often run hourly and network connectivity is patchy with “ghost buses” (ones that appear online but never show up).

On my first night, I had to settle for pub food due to my late arrival, as most kitchens close by 8:30 p.m. To avoid this, plan ahead by asking your hotel staff to set aside dinner for you, packing snacks from the station cafés and shops before you depart, or even saving leftovers from the previous day.

Panting by the time I reached Fort George after a bus ride and a 30-minute trek the next day, all my frustrations melted away at the sight of the fort, perched at the edge of the turbulent blue ocean, echoing the historical disturbances of the Jacobite threat that led to its construction. Although I planned for a quick visit, the stunning views and fascinating stories made me wish I’d stay longer.

Inverness: The Heart Of The Story

My next trek took me to the Culloden Battlefield, a powerful site for both, "Outlander" fans and history buffs alike. Walking across the battlefield, where red and blue flags mark the British and Scottish advances, sent chills down my spine. Standing on the very same ground where hundreds lost their lives was a surreal moment that bridged fiction and history. The stones commemorating fallen clans, particularly the Fraser stone, drew a crowd of "Outlander" enthusiasts. The visitor’s centre houses an extensive museum detailing the haunting horrors of the battle.

With a heavy heart, I headed to Clava Cairns, a 4,000-year-old cemetery once used for ritual and burial activities. It inspired the mystical stone circle in "Outlander." While the stones in the show were made of polystyrene, standing among these ancient structures with fellow fans felt magical.

Other Famous Screen Travel Destinations In Scotland

Screen tourism in Scotland isn’t just for "Outlander" fans. Bollywood enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that parts of "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai" were filmed amid Scotland’s stunning landscapes. For "Harry Potter" fans, Edinburgh is a goldmine. One can visit The Elephant House café, where J.K. Rowling penned the first book and sip on Butterscotch Beer. Iconic sites like Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured as the Hogwarts Express route; Doune Castle, seen in "Game of Thrones"; and Eilean Donan Castle seen as the Scottish headquarters of MI6 in the James Bond film "The World is Not Enough" reveal Scotland’s rich connection to global cinema.