We awoke to a slight power loss today, thus affecting a few guests during their morning routine. They restored the power just as everyone had loaded into the van. We made haste to depart for Linlithgow Palace.
Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison)
10-minute drive || 1-hour, 15-minute visit
9 Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7EY UK
We arrived at Linlithgow Palace a full five minutes before opening. Built in 1424 by James the 1st, and most notably known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, the Outlander Series shot several scenes in its interior corridors as well as filming several times at the entrance (Series EP: 115).
for Wentworth Prison scenes
The palace is most impressive, and certainly worth a visit. There are some ingenious attributes within the palace, and especially the Chapel which included a feature of small windows that were designed to cast a rainbow effect around the room.
Hopetoun House (Home of the Duke of Sandringham)
25-minute drive || 1-hour visit
South Queensferry, Edinburgh EH30 9RW, UK
We arrived at Hopetoun House built in 1699. It is worth noting that a variety of scenes involving the Jacobite’s and other period struggles were filmed here, whereas the palace politics had aligned themselves with the British during the time of the Scottish uprising. However, after a quick survey of the grounds and structures, you can easily form an understanding as to why Hopetoun House is the perfect filming location.
This setting was used for filming locations early on in Outlander, including the home of the Duke of Sandringham (Series EP: 110); the side area used for the Brothel entrance (Series EP: 202); the room where Mary Hawkins is taken to recover after being attacked (Series EP: 204); the site of the Ellesmere Estate and Stables (Top Photo), the birthplace of Jamie’s son William (Series EP: 304); the Dukes duel with the McDonald Clan (Series EP: 110), in addition to a myriad of other smaller scenes.
A small TV inside the front entrance of Hopetoun House plays a good video about the scenes and filming that occurred here.
Covenanter Hotel (Mrs Bairds Bed & Breakfast)
40-minute drive || 1-hour Lunch
The Square, Falkland, Fife, KY15 7BU, UK
Again, our lunch had been pre-ordered, and we dined on the Chicken Pesto baguettes and chips at Covenanter Hotel (Series EP: 101). After everyone had finished, we wandered about the small town with its quaint cobblestone streets.
(Mrs Bairds Bed & Breakfast)
A fact of historical interest is that just seven days after the birth of his daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, King James V of Scotland died here at Falkland Palace on the 15th of December 1542.
Falkland (setting for Inverness)
The town of Falkland was used as setting for 1940s and 1960s Inverness in the Outlander Series, as well as the spot where Jamie’s ghost was looking up at Claire’s window in the present day (Series EP: 101)
Nearby this area is Farrell’s Hardware, Campbell’s Coffee Shop and the Records Office. Be respectful of passing traffic in the round-about here as you get your photos.
Cottage Craft Center
2-minute walk || 30-minute visit
Sharp’s Close, Falkland, Fife, KY15 7DJ, UK
Next, we wandered up the road west of the fountain to the Cottage Craft Center, a nice shop for souvenirs and original handmade Scottish goods.
of the Cottage Craft Center
They used the streets around the town in various filming aspects of the Outlander Series, including when Randall speaks to Claire about his sick brother Alex, who is Mary Hawkin’s fiancé (Series EP: 212).
Dysart (French port of Le Harve)
25-minute drive || 30-minute visit
The Harbourmasters House, Hot Pot Wynd, Dysart Kirkcaldy KY1 2TQ, UK
Dysart Harbor represented the French port of Le Harve in the 1740s in Outlander (Series EP: 201).
Walking down the hill and into the port area, you can see the scene in your head, although an incredible amount of CGI was used to recreate the port in all its glory.
Culross (Cranesmuir)
50-minute drive || 1-hour visit
Dunfermline, UK
Culross was one of the most used filming locations in the Outlander Series and most notably is the scene where the apprentice tanner boy is nailed by the ear at the pillory (Series EP: 103). The area to the left of this Pillory is the location of the Pyre used at the Witch trials (Series EP: 111), and to the right is the Geillis Duncan house (Series EP: 103 and 110).
A few steps away from the Pillory is the place where Breanna is taken in by Laoghaire (Series EP: 407), and the staircase leading to the Thomas Baxter boys house (Series EP: 103).
To round it all out is the herb garden (Series EP: 103), and the Jacobite army camp where Claire is the on-site dentist.
In real life, the Village of Culross is famous for an engineering marvel set in motion in 1595. Known as the Moat Pit, it was the first coal mine to extend under the sea. The mine also supported salt panning, affording it favored trading status from the British government.
Williamscraig Holiday Cottages
30-minute drive
Williamscraig Holiday Cottages, The Horse Mill Williamscraig, Linlithgow EH49 6QF, UK
We arrived back at the Eden 1 Cottage with about one hour to get ready for our next adventure.
Torphichen Inn
10-minute drive || 2-hour, 30-minute Dinner & Show
The Square, Torphichen, West Lothian, EH48 4LY, UK
Everyone now headed to dinner at the Torphichen Inn, Bathgate courtesy of Paul, the Owner/Operator of TayForth Travel. At the Inn we dined on a meal of Potato & Leek soup, Steak & Ale Pie, and ultimately the Scottish specialty Haggis.
The entertainment also included a Piper, Violinist, and Guitarist playing traditional Scottish Songs. The evening culminated with a Scottish Sword Dance.
Afterwards, the owner Kenny, began the Haggis presentation. He serenaded us with poems, songs and his generosity. We learned a great deal about Haggis, its importance to the region, its ingredients, and so on… Kenny made you feel like you had entered his home and were sitting down to dine with his family.
Cruise Port: Edinburgh, Scotland
Tour Name: Outlander Scotland 5 Day Immersion Tour Day 2
Accommodations: Williamscraig Holiday Cottages
Tour Guide: Emma & Anne
Tour Operator: Mary’s Meanders
