Scotland: Outlander's Grip Is One Reason To See For Yourself

When the company I worked for closed in 2005, we were permitted to take what we wanted from the book exchange in the kitchens. I snagged a historical novel called Dragon Fly in Amber. I stayed in my apartment like a hermit and up late nights to read these pages. Nearly burst when I got the end because of the cliffhanger.  I didn't know when I read it, but it was the second book in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. http://www.dianagabaldon.com/books/outlander-series/

These novels include, per Ms. Gabaldon's website:

"history, warfare, medicine, sex, violence, spirituality, honor, betrayal, vengeance, hope and despair, relationships, the building and destruction of families and societies, time travel, moral ambiguity, swords, herbs, horses, gambling (with cards, dice, and lives), voyages of daring, journeys of both body and soul…"

All true. Don't let the time travel throw you. It's fascinating and not what you might expect. I got friends, family and co-workers hooked on this series. And, I am near dropping in anticipation of when Starz brings an adaptation of this series to its network in 2014.  http://www.starz.com/originals/outlander

So, what does this have to do with Scotland?

So much!  When I read this series, I knew Scotland would be my next trip. I used the information in the novels to form my itinerary.

At Culloden Field, employees asked if I was visiting after reading Ms. Gabaldon's novels. So, I was not the first to be enticed enough to come see for myself.  At Culloden, waves of sadness, ferocity and despair seeped into me when walking upon the battlefield.  If you go, let me know if you feel it too.

[click on any photo to enlarge]

Government and Jacobite solider

Fought April 16, 1746...

A marker for the dead of this clan on the battlefield

My stay in Edinburgh included walking the Royal Mile and a visit to Holyrood Palace. These sites are also woven into Outlander and entrenched in Scottish history.  I searched shops along the Royal Mile for the perfect souvenir. In the end, I left with nothing because I couldn't pick just one item!  My tour guide for Ghosts and Ghouls was very enthusiastic as you'll see from my photo. http://www.mercattours.com/ghosts-and-ghouls.asp  This tour was not part of the Outlander series :)

Made a friend (or enemy...) on the Royal Mile

Enthusiastic guide

The grounds of Holyrood and its architecture, even what was in ruins, were quite beautiful. The museum inside equally held my interest.

http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/palaceofholyroodhouse

What visit to Scotland is complete without Loch Ness?  In her series, Ms. Gabaldon shares a unique view of the monster's origins that I could buy into. If you're curious, read and find out! Then let me know what you think.

Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness



This monster is all I saw and it's not even in Loch Ness :(

What historical fiction novel has led you to travel to its settings?