Outlander star becomes Edinburgh Castle guide

Outlander star and Ian Rankin become Edinburgh Castle ‘tour guides’

Outlander star Andrew Gower, who portrayed Bonnie Prince Charlie in the time-travel series, will voice the Young Pretender, while Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin discusses the “Black Dinner” at Edinburgh Castle and the inspiration behind Game of Thrones’ most famous episode, the “Red Wedding”.

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Stars including actors Saoirse Ronan and Bill Paterson, Rebus writer Ian Rankin and Scottish pop duo The Proclaimers have lent their voices to a new audio guide to the iconic fortress.

Four-time Oscar nominee Ronan, 25, who played Mary, Queen of Scots in the recent film of her life, will guide visitors in a section devoted to the tragic monarch, and describe what Mary might have gone through while giving birth in the King’s Birth Room.

 

Can you visit Outlander sets ?

Now showing Seasons 1-4, with season 5 on air next week , the show is massive hit . Many Outlander filming locations in Scotland, have seen their visitor numbers increase hugely and you can see the sights of this hit show with Outlander tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

what is the best tour of Scotland ?

Outlander tours from Edinburgh are very popular for fans of the show . Game of Thrones tours to Winterfell are popular. Tours of the Highlands of Scotland are the best introduction to the landscapes of ScotlandGlencoe tours, Outlander

Others taking visitors on a brand new journey through the castle’s history include Scots Makar Jackie Kay; Ian Hamilton, who took the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950; war correspondent Orla Guerin and comedian Susan Morrison.

The guide, launched by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), is narrated by broadcasters Sally Magnusson and Eddie Mair.

Many of the celebrity cast read first-person accounts of important events and episodes from the castle’s rich history, bringing to life figures such as Bonnie Prince Charlie, Oliver Cromwell and Sir Walter Scott, whose vivid description of rediscovering the Honours in 1818 is read by Scots actor Paterson.

Others shed light on particular stories and buildings and explore its living legacy, including The Proclaimers who discuss performing on the Castle Esplanade.

They are joined by a host of specialists who work in the castle today, offering visitors an insight into the workings of the 21st century castle. They include the One o’Clock Gunner and the woman who conserves the armour.

The audio guide also includes readings of poetry, prose and biography, with some verses in Gaelic, medieval Scots and Old Welsh that go back 1400 years into the castle’s past. Two pieces of music from the 13th and 18th centuries were recorded specially for the project.

Developed by HES and produced in collaboration with Antenna International, the guide is believed to be the first of its kind to tell both historic and contemporary stories about a heritage site through such a wide range of different voices. It is available in 11 languages, with translations offered expanded to include Korean and Brazilian Portuguese.

HES chief executive Alex Paterson said: “Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s top paid-for visitor attraction, and we are committed to investing in the site and finding new and inventive ways of engaging a wide range of people with its history.

“We’re delighted that a host of talented figures – including our own staff – have been involved in this project and contributed to the ongoing legacy of the castle in such a unique way.

“This new audio guide will allow visitors to connect more closely with the living history of the castle and gain new insights into the story of Scotland’s greatest fortress.”

Tartan noir author Rankin, 59, reveals in the guide how he draws inspiration from the castle’s darker heritage for his bestselling Rebus novels.

He said: “For many people around the globe, Edinburgh Castle is Edinburgh. It is symbolic of the city’s staying power and majesty and remains a focus of local and national pride.

“I first visited as a child. Fifty years on, I still walk its slopes with a sense of awe. It is a privilege to play a small part in its modern-day story.”

Edinburgh’s Castle Rock has been a stronghold for over 3000 years. The castle itself was constructed in the 12th century and is home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, amongst the oldest regalia in Europe, and the Stone of Destiny.

The One O’Clock Gun has been fired from the ramparts almost every day since 1861 and St Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, is one of the most romantic places to get married. It attracts around two million visitors per year.

The audio guide is available, priced £3.50 for an adult, £2.50 for concession and £1.50 for a child.

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Outlander Blood of my Blood filming  began filming at Doune Castle in Scotland in January. Outlander fans in the US , UK and around the world are getting excited about seeing the second half of season 7 this year and season 8 , the final season next year .

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What Scottish castles are open to tour ?

These castles have provided the backdrops for bloody battles or famous films, and are the most popular castles in Scotland

Stirling Castle.
Midhope Castle.
Blackness Castle.
Doune Castle.

Was any of Braveheart filmed in Scotland?

Mel Gibson decided to direct the film, as well as star as Wallace. Braveheart was filmed in Scotland and Ireland from June to October 1994. Book your Braveheart tour online

Is there a real Lallybroch ?

Yes, Midhope Castle is the real life location for Lallybroch , the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser . You can visit Lallybroch on our unique Outlander tours  . Lallybroch, or Broch Tuarach, is Jamie’s fictional home in the series.
Outlander tours from Edinburgh can be booked online . In real life it’s an ancient 16th-century tower house outside Edinburgh. The castle stars in a number of Outlander episodes as the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser , played by Scottish actor Sam Heughan . You can visit the castle on one of our tours and take a look around the outside . Unfortunately the inside of Lallybroch is derelict and not accessible at the moment  , although plans have been announced to build accommodation inside the castle . Lallybroch Outlander tours from Private tours Edinburgh

what does Broch Tuarach mean ?

What is Broch Tuarach ? And can you take a tour to it ? It is an old  broch on the land, Broch Tuarach means “north-facing tower” in Gaelic. Lallybroch, as the estate is known among those who live there, in turn means “lazy tower”. Lallybroch , ancestral home of Jamie Fraser , is also known as Broch Tuarach . 
Broch Tuarach tours  can be booked online . For last minute bookings phone / Whatsapp us on  +447305-294773


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