Latest news with #Geillis
STV News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- STV News
Outlander fans flock to historic sites ahead of final season
The eighth and final season of Outlander will soon hit our screens with fans across the world braced for the end of an era. Since its debut in 2014, the blockbuster series has significantly boosted tourism, with some historic sites reporting visitor numbers soaring by more than 200%. Among the most popular destinations is Midhope Castle in the Hopetoun estate, about four kilometres west of South Queensferry. The landmark gained global fame as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser's ancestral home. Up until a few years ago, this was farmland with next to zero visitors. Now, 80,000 tourists are expected this summer alone. STV News 'It's quite a lot of people, to say the least,' James Gourlay from Midhope Castle said. 'We used to be a farmyard, then everything changed. STV News 'Outlander is a fantastic story. People are coming here from all over the world. It's been a joy.' The castle's popularity has provided opportunities to showcase the wider Hopetoun Estate and its real-life history. 'It gave us the opportunity to tell the proper history of who worked and stayed here. It's been good fun.' Inspired by the series, photographer Daria Bilyk runs Outlander photoshoots, complete with custom-made period costumes. 'I didn't want to just have people wearing jeans and puffer jackets – I wanted to tell the story,' she added. STV News Supplied Daria has captured people of all ages and walks of life, from newlyweds and anniversary couples to people on solo adventures. 'People are in love with the show and want to romanticise their lives, living through these characters,' she said. 'But we've also had some people who haven't even watched Outlander; they just want to wear beautiful attire and have a great time, make memories, and bring these photos as souvenirs from Scotland. 'Photographs live on, and I'm a small part of it. It makes me proud to do this. It's incredible to witness.' Supplied According to a Visit Scotland survey, 36% of European visitors and 37% of long-haul visitors are inspired to visit the country due to films, TV series and books set in Scotland. While bumping into celebrities isn't guaranteed, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Outlander through its filming locations. Key locations including Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Midhope Castle, Culross, Falkland and the Highland Folk Museum have become fan favourites. Culross Palace in Dunfermline is a main destination for fans and is now also home to a costume worn by an Outlander character inspired by a historical figure. Geillis Duncane was the name of a real woman who was tried as a witch in 1591 during the North Berwick witch trials in Scotland. The 'withdrawing room' in the palace is used as the fictional Geillis's parlour in season one. STV News STV News Tour guide Fiona Morrison said: 'Geillis is a real person who lived in the 1590s near Edinburgh. She was a servant girl, and unfortunately, she was accused of being a witch by her employer, David Seaton. She was strangled and burned. 'We always try to fit in real history. We make visitors aware that although the building was used in Outlander, it has its own fantastic history as well.' While the Outlander story might be reaching its final chapter, its legacy will likely be felt for some time yet. The National Trust for Scotland say screen tourism is now a vital part of its conservation work. Filming manager Anna Rathband: 'It's been huge – the show has helped highlight Scottish history and engage fans from all over the world. It's been fantastic to see. 'Income from filming goes directly back to the conservation of the site. There's also the legacy of film tours, which is a significant part of how we engage with our audience. 'It's been really rewarding.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Leader Live
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Outlander dress goes on show in village where series filmed
The Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife is the setting for the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two of the show. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is celebrating the link by putting a dress worn by the character Geillis Duncan on show at Culross Palace, one of the properties in its care. Visitors can see the dress by Terry Dresbach – the costume designer for series one to four – with its accompanying white under garment, corset, and underskirt. Anna Rathband, NTS filming manager, said: 'We've had a great relationship with the production of Outlander for more than a decade. 'Six out of its eight seasons filmed at Trust places, including Culross Palace, Falkland Palace, the Hermitage, Newhailes, and Preston Mill. 'Hundreds, if not thousands, of Outlander fans have already come from across the world to engage with the story and to learn more about the history of our country. 'We're excited to bring a piece of Outlander to Culross Palace and make Geillis's dress available for the public to see up close. 'Many fans of the series will recognise Culross as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two, and the village, Culross Palace, and the palace's garden have featured in a variety of scenes throughout the series, so it will give them a chance to stand in the Outlander world and connect with a piece of its history.' Geillis Duncan was a real person who was accused by magistrate David Seton of witchcraft in 1590. Her forced confession is said to have fuelled witchcraft accusations in Scotland, contributing to the North Berwick witch trials and accusations against more than 60 people. The character Geillis, played by Lotte Verbeek, is first seen in season one of Outlander. In the Outlander series, inspired by Diana Gabaldon's books, Geillis first appears in 1743 and befriends the main character, Claire Randall. Eventually, Geillis is tried and executed for witchcraft, revealing her real name is Gillian Edgars, a Jacobite who deliberately returned to Scotland before the 1745 uprising to try and change the course of history. The dress is on show from Wednesday until autumn 2026 and viewing it is included with admission to Culross Palace and garden.
Rhyl Journal
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Outlander dress goes on show in village where series filmed
The Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife is the setting for the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two of the show. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is celebrating the link by putting a dress worn by the character Geillis Duncan on show at Culross Palace, one of the properties in its care. Visitors can see the dress by Terry Dresbach – the costume designer for series one to four – with its accompanying white under garment, corset, and underskirt. Anna Rathband, NTS filming manager, said: 'We've had a great relationship with the production of Outlander for more than a decade. 'Six out of its eight seasons filmed at Trust places, including Culross Palace, Falkland Palace, the Hermitage, Newhailes, and Preston Mill. 'Hundreds, if not thousands, of Outlander fans have already come from across the world to engage with the story and to learn more about the history of our country. 'We're excited to bring a piece of Outlander to Culross Palace and make Geillis's dress available for the public to see up close. 'Many fans of the series will recognise Culross as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two, and the village, Culross Palace, and the palace's garden have featured in a variety of scenes throughout the series, so it will give them a chance to stand in the Outlander world and connect with a piece of its history.' Geillis Duncan was a real person who was accused by magistrate David Seton of witchcraft in 1590. Her forced confession is said to have fuelled witchcraft accusations in Scotland, contributing to the North Berwick witch trials and accusations against more than 60 people. The character Geillis, played by Lotte Verbeek, is first seen in season one of Outlander. In the Outlander series, inspired by Diana Gabaldon's books, Geillis first appears in 1743 and befriends the main character, Claire Randall. Eventually, Geillis is tried and executed for witchcraft, revealing her real name is Gillian Edgars, a Jacobite who deliberately returned to Scotland before the 1745 uprising to try and change the course of history. The dress is on show from Wednesday until autumn 2026 and viewing it is included with admission to Culross Palace and garden.
North Wales Chronicle
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Outlander dress goes on show in village where series filmed
The Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife is the setting for the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two of the show. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is celebrating the link by putting a dress worn by the character Geillis Duncan on show at Culross Palace, one of the properties in its care. Visitors can see the dress by Terry Dresbach – the costume designer for series one to four – with its accompanying white under garment, corset, and underskirt. Anna Rathband, NTS filming manager, said: 'We've had a great relationship with the production of Outlander for more than a decade. 'Six out of its eight seasons filmed at Trust places, including Culross Palace, Falkland Palace, the Hermitage, Newhailes, and Preston Mill. 'Hundreds, if not thousands, of Outlander fans have already come from across the world to engage with the story and to learn more about the history of our country. 'We're excited to bring a piece of Outlander to Culross Palace and make Geillis's dress available for the public to see up close. 'Many fans of the series will recognise Culross as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two, and the village, Culross Palace, and the palace's garden have featured in a variety of scenes throughout the series, so it will give them a chance to stand in the Outlander world and connect with a piece of its history.' Geillis Duncan was a real person who was accused by magistrate David Seton of witchcraft in 1590. Her forced confession is said to have fuelled witchcraft accusations in Scotland, contributing to the North Berwick witch trials and accusations against more than 60 people. The character Geillis, played by Lotte Verbeek, is first seen in season one of Outlander. In the Outlander series, inspired by Diana Gabaldon's books, Geillis first appears in 1743 and befriends the main character, Claire Randall. Eventually, Geillis is tried and executed for witchcraft, revealing her real name is Gillian Edgars, a Jacobite who deliberately returned to Scotland before the 1745 uprising to try and change the course of history. The dress is on show from Wednesday until autumn 2026 and viewing it is included with admission to Culross Palace and garden.
Glasgow Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Outlander dress goes on show in village where series filmed
The Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife is the setting for the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two of the show. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is celebrating the link by putting a dress worn by the character Geillis Duncan on show at Culross Palace, one of the properties in its care. Visitors can see the dress by Terry Dresbach – the costume designer for series one to four – with its accompanying white under garment, corset, and underskirt. The dress has gone on show at Culross Palace (NTS/PA) Anna Rathband, NTS filming manager, said: 'We've had a great relationship with the production of Outlander for more than a decade. 'Six out of its eight seasons filmed at Trust places, including Culross Palace, Falkland Palace, the Hermitage, Newhailes, and Preston Mill. 'Hundreds, if not thousands, of Outlander fans have already come from across the world to engage with the story and to learn more about the history of our country. 'We're excited to bring a piece of Outlander to Culross Palace and make Geillis's dress available for the public to see up close. 'Many fans of the series will recognise Culross as the fictional village of Cranesmuir in seasons one and two, and the village, Culross Palace, and the palace's garden have featured in a variety of scenes throughout the series, so it will give them a chance to stand in the Outlander world and connect with a piece of its history.' Geillis Duncan was a real person who was accused by magistrate David Seton of witchcraft in 1590. Her forced confession is said to have fuelled witchcraft accusations in Scotland, contributing to the North Berwick witch trials and accusations against more than 60 people. The character Geillis, played by Lotte Verbeek, is first seen in season one of Outlander. The village of Culross has been used as a filming location for the series (Szymon Mucha/Alamy/PA) In the Outlander series, inspired by Diana Gabaldon's books, Geillis first appears in 1743 and befriends the main character, Claire Randall. Eventually, Geillis is tried and executed for witchcraft, revealing her real name is Gillian Edgars, a Jacobite who deliberately returned to Scotland before the 1745 uprising to try and change the course of history. The dress is on show from Wednesday until autumn 2026 and viewing it is included with admission to Culross Palace and garden.
