LMGI COMPASS
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Fall 2019
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thetics popularized by the show such as the Calanais Standing
Stones on the Isle of Lewis, not used in the filming, but similar
to the main character's stone circle that takes her back in time
in the series. A recurring point with the Scotland tourism part-
ners is that Outlander, although containing the fantasy element
of time travel, is based in history distinguishing them from the
entirely fantastical Game of Thrones series and The Lord of the
Rings franchises. It is mostly this history that they like to em-
phasize and share with visitors.
Although cosplay and other experiences seem to be popu-
lar with fantasy fans visiting film locations, Emma Chalmers,
operator for Mary's Meanders tours, gets few costumed visi-
tors on Outlander tours. Even though there is a visitor "dress
up" area in the shop at Doune Castle for photos of guests in
Outlander-inspired costumes, Nixon says a cosplay tour would
be a challenge, as many of their sites already have historically
accurate costumed performers (but she certainly is open to
ideas). Although they do not have specific Outlander (or other
film/TV) tours at their site, film tourism gives them an excel-
lent opportunity to promote not only the film location, but also
attractions that are intrinsically linked to the "true story." For
example, all of the sites linked to the Jacobite period in history.
And even though the recently released Mary Queen of Scots
movie only filmed at one of their attractions, 15 sites link to
Mary's story. Historic Environment Scotland creates thematic
and content marketing campaigns linked to these productions
promoting all of their attractions with "see the film, then ex-
plore the sites."
Anna Rathband, filming manager for the National Trust for
Scotland, echoes these sentiments. They appreciate Outland-
er's beauty and historical accuracy on screen (it is not "gim-
micky"). History can be pulled from real sources and the surge
of visitors to Culloden is just one example of people connecting
with the past. Jenni Steele, Film & Creative Industries manager,
Photos
courtesy
of
Sony
Pictures
Television
Inc.
