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11 places in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire giving us serious 'Outlander' vibes

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11 places in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire giving us serious 'Outlander' vibes

When Outlander first graced television screens in 2014, it captured hearts around the world as millions of viewers fell in love with Claire and Jamie’s epic story. Based on Diana Gabaldon’s beloved novels — the first published in 1991 — the tale follows English WWII nurse Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe), who accidentally travels through time via a mysterious stone circle and finds herself in 1743 Scotland, where she meets the dashing Highlander Jamie Fraser (played by Sam Heughan).

The series has showcased some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes, thanks to a remarkable locations team. But with so many stunning sites in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, it’s easy to imagine our own bonnie region fitting perfectly into the Outlander world. Below are a few places that could easily double as filming locations for the show.

(Disclaimer: Outlander has not filmed in Aberdeen or Aberdeenshire—yet! This feature is simply an imaginative exploration from fans of the series who enjoy pairing real-life beauty with on-screen magic.)

Warning: this article may contain spoilers.

1. Aberdeenshire’s Stone Circles as Craigh Na Dun

No discussion of Outlander would be complete without mentioning the iconic Craigh na Dun, the stone circle where Claire and Jamie’s adventure begins. Although the fictional site does not exist, Aberdeenshire is home to nearly 150 stone circles. Magical or not, these ancient formations can make visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time.

2. Clachnaben as Cocknammon Rock

During Claire and Frank’s “second honeymoon” in 1945, Frank (played by Tobias Menzies) points out Cocknammon Rock, a place where British soldiers once ambushed Scottish rebels. Later, when Claire meets Jamie, this knowledge sparks a dramatic skirmish that heightens Dougal’s (Graham McTavish) suspicions. While the rock was created with CGI, Clachnaben in Glen Dye would make an excellent real-world alternative with its striking summit and rugged surroundings.

Image credit: @drewa1983 / Instagram

3. Huntly Castle as Castle Leoch

Castle Leoch is one of the most recognisable strongholds in Outlander, home to the MacKenzie Clan. Huntly Castle in Aberdeenshire offers a similar atmosphere. Once the seat of one of Scotland’s most powerful families, it is now a dramatic ruin managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Like Doune Castle, where the series was filmed, Huntly Castle exudes history and grandeur.

Image credit: @jheasman_photography / Instagram

4. Gight Castle as The Black Kirk

When Claire becomes entangled in accusations of witchcraft, she and Jamie visit the eerie ruins of The Black Kirk. Near Methlick, Gight Castle provides a strikingly similar setting, ivy-clad and overlooking the River Ythan. Although visitors cannot enter the castle, walking around its perimeter offers beautiful views and a haunting sense of the past.

5. Burn O’ Vat as St Ninian’s or Liar’s Spring

To test Claire’s honesty, Dougal offers her water from St Ninian’s Spring, also known as the Liar’s Spring. The natural amphitheatre of Burn O’ Vat carries its own mysterious energy. It is easy to imagine it serving as a truth-telling spring, especially with the sound of running water echoing through the rocks.

6. Findlater Castle as Fort William

Fort William is one of the series’ most chilling locations, under the command of the ruthless Black Jack Randall (Tobias Menzies). When Claire is rescued by Jamie, they leap into the waters below, so proximity to water is essential. Findlater Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, would serve as a perfect stand-in. Slains Castle or Dunnottar Castle would also capture the same foreboding spirit.

Image credit: @castlescastlescastles / Instagram

7. Castle Fraser as Lallybroch

Castle Fraser is one of Scotland’s grandest tower houses and feels destined for Outlander fame. The Clan Fraser of Lovat’s motto, “Je suis prest,” mirrors Jamie Fraser’s own words, and a cardboard cut-out of Jamie even graces the castle’s gift shop. With its archway and timeless façade, Castle Fraser would be an ideal choice for Lallybroch.

Image credit: @thehobbytraveller / Instagram

8. The Mill at Delgatie as the Mill at Lallybroch

The mill at Delgatie Castle perfectly evokes the scene where Jamie repairs the mill at Lallybroch. The setting’s charm and authenticity make it easy to picture this moment unfolding there. Local legend even tells of a red-haired spirit named Rohaise who haunts the castle, which adds to its Outlander-style mystique.

9. Stonehaven Harbour as the French Harbour

When Claire, Jamie and Murtagh (the unforgettable Duncan Lacroix) arrive in France at the start of season two, the picturesque port where they land resembles Stonehaven Harbour. The Tolbooth Museum and the Harbourmaster’s House share striking similarities, making Stonehaven an ideal Scottish double for the French coast.

Image credit: Dan Christie / instagram

10. St Machar’s Cathedral as L’Hopital des Anges

As the oldest building still in active use in Aberdeen, St Machar’s Cathedral features soaring ceilings and stunning stained glass. Its resemblance to Glasgow Cathedral, which was used in the show for L’Hopital des Anges, makes it a fitting candidate for scenes set in Paris. The atmosphere blends historical grandeur with quiet reverence.

11. Pitmedden Garden as Versailles

When Claire and Jamie visit Versailles to prevent the Jacobite uprising, the opulent gardens set the stage. Pitmedden Garden, a Scottish Renaissance walled garden with over 30,000 annual blooms, mirrors this splendour. The intricate patterns of colour and design would easily rival those of the French palace, although thankfully without the presence of Black Jack Randall.

From rugged castles to tranquil lochs, Aberdeenshire is filled with landscapes that could slip seamlessly into Claire and Jamie’s world. While Outlander has yet to film here, it is easy to imagine the Fraser clan riding through the glens or secret meetings unfolding among ancient stones. Whether exploring local history or indulging in a little time-travel daydreaming, the North-east of Scotland offers plenty of places to stir the imagination and perhaps make visitors feel as though they have stepped through the stones themselves.