'I've been to the real Outlander setting - and one this left me disappointed'

Following its 2014 premiere, Outlander became a worldwide sensation, with millions of viewers engrossed in Scottish history and its romantically spellbinding storyline. While the series instantly gained legions of fans, the book series it was based on, written by Diana Gabaldon, sold over 50 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 38 languages.

The show told the story of Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe), who, after the Second World War, was enjoying her honeymoon in Scotland but was mysteriously transported back to 1743. As the series detailed her perilous journey back to the future, I travelled through the stunning Highlands with a group of other Outlander fans to visit the real-life film locations, but I was left underwhelmed by one historical hotspot.

In season one, Claire was quickly accused of being a witch after her modern appearance and English accent aroused suspicion. However, she was in hiding with Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), who had escaped prison after being wrongfully convicted, and together they fled to his childhood home of Lallybroch.

While Claire was taken aback by the “handsome three-story manor of harled white stone” and praised its porcelain stoves and brick oven, “windows outlined in the natural grey stone, a high slate roof with multiple chimneys,” the real-life MidHope castle, based in South Queensferry, left an unexpected sense of disappointment.

Although the series depicts a warm and home-like interior filled with endless tapestry, an array of furniture and a fireplace huge enough to blanket the harsh Scottish winter, the actual castle was gutted.

Despite the excitement of seeing the familiar location in real life and posing on the steps that the Fraser clan often raced down, a quick peek in the window revealed nothing but the beams holding up the building.

While this didn’t diminish the air of elation and the experience of seeing the charming castle in person, seeing Midhope completely empty and derelict, even without the different floors, felt like a disservice to history and the show, which made its attraction skyrocket with tourists.

Midhope’s official Instagram account explained: “Sadly, there was a fire in the recent past, and repairs were made in 1988 to make the building safe.”

In 2021, it was also reported that the sharp rise in interest from tourists sparked plans to build a distillery on the grounds and to restore Midhope to eventually include visitor accommodation.

According to Scotman.com: “Once the development is complete, these visitors will be able to access the repaired parts of the castle, which are set to be revamped to include tasting, meeting and dining rooms.”

However, the outlet reported that “initial work is expected to be completed in 2022,” and although there is much better vehicle access to the tower house, works are yet to begin.