Our Outlander Adventure: 2016 to 2019

In 2016 we did head back to Tartan Week in New York, and how excited we were when it was announced that Sam Heughan would be The Grand Marshall of The Tartan Day Parade. The whole City became one big Outlander party, and that’s when it really hit home, just how huge this phenomenon is. The weather was typically Scottish (ie. cold and wet) but that didn’t dampen spirits and we thoroughly enjoyed catching up with friends, old and new. We showcased our tours at the Outlander market- place, attended the ceilidh and various events and then came the main event. The Parade day – walking with Outlanders United, attending the VIP afterparty at Barbour (and Yes, Sam was there) and finally letting our hair down at the Parade after party. What a start to the year.

Back home, our tours were now in full swing and we were able to share some of the on set experiences we had over the winter months. We are so lucky that a lot of the filming from S1-S3 took place right on our doorstep and we would literally stumble across sets when out and about.

Here are a few photos from those early days (just to note, we have always taken guidance and instruction from the crew, and do not take photos when requested and do not publish on social media if asked. Most of our photos are set only, either before or after filming)

Emma and Anne at the filming of the battle of Culloden for Outlander series 2 — Battle preparations

Outlander Season 2 filming camp — Battle preparations

In 2017 we were excited to be attending another Outlandish, UK gathering, in Aviemore, but sadly this was to be the last. Another fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends from near and far, and we do miss these events.

This was also the year of the first MPC gala in Scotland and we were delighted to put on a number of tours in conjunction with this- this has become something of a tradition for us now.

This was the year we also became published authors. Working with Mark, The Edinburgh Sketcher, we published a souvenir book of sketches from 10 Outlander locations, which we are delighted is still selling well at Outlander locations. To purchase a copy – click here

2018 got off to a flying start with a trip to The Houses of Parliament in London to present to MP’s on The Outlander effect. This was the culmination of various talks and events we had been involved with to show just how much impact Outlander was having on Scottish Tourism.

With Lord Hopetoun and Martyn Day MP and his team

In April Emma was back in New York, promoting the Outlander locations with our friends from Filming Fife.

Filming Fife team with The Grand Marshall 2018, KT Tunstall

2018 was the year we started our 5 day immersive tours. We absolutely love the experience and having the time to really get to know everyone. We are delighted to say that those who have come on these tours have remained friends, have had meet ups at home in the USA, attended conventions together and come back and visited us. There have been 5 groups now and were due to have another 4 this year. But don’t worry, we will be back stronger than ever and ready for more fun.

And throughout the year we welcomed lots of new guests and returning friends onto our Outlander day tours.

The year finished on a high, with Emma being awarded a Visit Scotland Thistle Award as Ambassador for Lothians and The Borders.

Emma receiving Thistle Award, November 2018

2019 was the year that Scotland recognised Diana Gabaldon’s contribution to the massive surge in tourism we have enjoyed, in a large part, thanks to Outlander. Diana was awarded a special Thistle award and we were asked by Visit Scotland to contribute to the events around this. We attended her talk at Hopetoun House and the following day we were extremely privileged to take her on a locations tour with a press contingent. This had to be the pinnacle of our Outlander journey. A whole day with Diana.

Diana Galbaldon, and Mary's Meanders in the Apothecary at Falkland Palace.

And the year ended with another Thistle Award, this time for Anne, as Tourism and Hospitality Hero for The Lothians and Borders region – for going above and beyond what is generally expected from a tour guide. We love what we do and just want everyone to fulfil their dreams. It is no effort to provide that little bit extra care and attention. After all, we treat everyone as our “friends”.