Most people’s idea of a vacation is sitting on a beach, feet in the sand, and a fruity drinks being brought to you by a cabana boy.
My idea of a vacation is road tripping and epic photo shoots. So when I sort out my luggage, usually the first question I ask myself is, how does the location work with any of my costumes? Then I proceed to pack about 3 things that are actually useful for everyday wear, and about 10 things that are costumes and props that would make for an epic series of photos but mostly make me panic that my bag is over the weight limit.
I’ve been a costumer for about 12 years and have my BFA in Costume for Theater. I get a little bit (a lot) serious about making everything from Game of Thrones to Star Wars to The Walking Dead to Harry Potter costumes.
My husband, Dustin, travels often for his job. One of his most frequent ‘home away from home’ spots is in the UK. Long before Outlander he and I both fell in love with Scotland. We’ve been there a few times already but when he got his notice to head over again in late October I started planning which filming locations I wanted to hit. I quickly sewed Claire’s white “through the stones dress”, bought a wig and a fugly tartan shawl, and we set off from Philly to the land of Haggis and somewhat questionable beer (because whiskey is gross).
Fast forward through a couple of days in Edinburgh where we experienced Scottish Halloween, local folk music, and the oldest pub in town…we set out to the first filming spot.
Lallybroch aka Midhope Castle is super hard to find. It’s not even on a map. I had a crazy time trying to locate it which involved stopping at a B&B in the middle of nowhere at sunrise and getting directions down a one lane dirt road. That was just the first of many locals who would judge me and my weird commitment to getting up at the asscrack of dawn to see Outlander locations. Lallybroch ended up being really beautiful in the early morning light but sadly the interior is a ruin and you can’t go inside. There’s also a farmhouse and a lumber mill right next door to it. We got a few strange looks from the roaming chickens as I posed Pocket Jamie for Instagram.
Next we headed about 30 minutes away to Cranesmuir aka Culross. Cutest little town EVER. The tiny streets, the old houses, the views across the water. Adorbs. Being the total plant dork that I am, I fell in love with the Palace herb garden where Claire and Geillis meet for the first time. I don’t think anyone was even awake in this town as we saw no one the entire time.
Another 45 minutes later we arrived at Castle Leoch aka Doune Castle. Dustin, who also now calls this place “Dougaltown” had made about 67 jokes about corn grinding in just one day. And Dougaltown did not disappoint. What an amazing location with a ton of crazy history. They filmed Monty Python and the Holy Grail here and the gift shop had their own Pocket Jamies on hand.
Fast forward again through a ridiculously beautiful drive up in the Highlands to Inverness. Here’s a taste of why I love this country so much (I mean aside from hot guys in kilts, duh)
Some Dragonfly in Amber spoilers ahead: We stayed the night on an old estate called Culloden House. Apparently Bonnie Prince Charlie boarded there for a few days surrounding the Battle of Culloden. The location is about 5 miles from the Battlefield site so we got up before first light and drove over there for sunrise to see the monument and the stones that name the fallen clans. It was beautiful and sad at the same time.
Finally we reach the point where I get to awkwardly put on a wig on in the car followed by running around some ancient standing stones next to a cow pasture. I was picturing a bus load of Japanese tourists getting in the way of serious Outlander business but they waited to show up when we were leaving. Clava Cairn is a burial mound with standing stones about 1 mile or so from the Battlefield so it makes sense for the book location of the stones. Diana says on her website that it’s not the basis for Craigh Na Dun, but given its location, I think it works.
PS – I froze my ass off for these photos. So enjoy!
We had many more fantastic parts of Scotland to explore on this trip but that’s it for the Outlander places. And yes I did go over the sea to Skye! My very excited husband is already planning his own photoshoot for next time in full Jamie gear. I don’t know what he’s more eager for, all the weapons that go with it or the chance to go commando in a kilt. I’m not complaining. That’s for sure.
To see more photos of the other shenanigans I got up to involving Harry Potter filming locations, drinking my way through the UK, mishaps with umbrellas, and way too many castles, follow me on Instagram @Bieberfish. #sorrynotsorry for all the costumes, pets, plant geekiness, and travels around the world stuff on there too. I warned you
Who’s jealous and wants to go on their own Outlander Scotland vacation?! Only if Natasha does our costumes!
WRITTEN BY NATASHA
Natasha’s Current Obsessions:Historical dramas, travel, bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica, sometimes Outlander, always Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, cats, and becoming the geeky version of Martha Stewart. Follow her on Instagram @Bieberfish
