How much can be explored in 3 days?
Outlander Sites, Mary Queen of Scots, & Perthshire
3 new day tours departing Edinburgh in 2023
This week's adventures took me over to the stunning locations of Perth, Pitlochry and Edinburgh. Out searching for new hiking locations and filming spots from a particular TV series which I’m sure many of you will be familiar with.
The weather was what you would expect of Scotland at this time of year, four seasons in one day! So before the rain starts again, let's begin our sauntering in the Highlands of Scotland.
Huntingtower Castle from the carpark
Huntingtower Castle
Our tour begins at Huntingtower Castle. On the site around the castle, excavations found evidence of a Roman timber signal station dating back two thousand years ago!
After relocating from East Lothian, the Ruthvens settled in Perthshire with the precise location not being known. William of Ruthven swore fealty to Edward I in 1291 & 1296 but was a true patriot and rebelled during the Wars of Independence.
He led troops to help William Wallace besiege Perth in 1297, and in 1314 aided Robert the Bruce in capturing Jedburgh Castle. After the wars, William was awarded the title Sheriff of Perthshire by a grateful King Robert I.
Dating to the 1400s is the oldest part of the castle present today, and is believed to have been the family's chief seat then. It was James III who bestowed on a later William Ruthven the title Lord Ruthven.
Later, Mary Queen of Scots visited with her second husband Lord Darnley and was hosted by the 3rd Lord of Ruthven, Patrick. The Queen was not a fan of the 3rd Lord, for he was one the leaders of the Protestant Reformation, and later a ringleader in the murder of David Riccio, Mary’s personal secretary.
There’s so much more history at Huntingtower Castle, including the hostage of the King of Scotland! A young James VI was held against his will during what is known as the “Ruthven Raid”, where the Earl of Gowrie was chiefly responsible.
The Birks of Aberfeldy
The Birks of Aberfeldy
Another stop I visited heading further north was one of spectacular beauty and tranquillity. The Birks of Aberfeldy were truly a treat for the senses and the soul. These spectacular waterfalls are a sight to behold.
Walking from the car park, you head up the path and gain height above the gorge as you take in the mesmerising native woodland surrounding you.
After about a half-hour walk you reach the top of the falls. Heading round to the viewpoint across the bridge, it is clear to see how the famous Scottish poet Robert (Rabbie) Burns was instantly inspired to write a song.
Plenty of wildlife can be seen throughout the walk. Keeping a lookout for red squirrels along the way, the small birds were in full voice, perfectly described by Robert “The little birdies blythely sing, While o'er their heads the hazels hing; Or lightly flit on wanton wing, In the birks of Aberfeldy”.
The images really don’t do this special place any justice.
Blackness Castle
The Tower within Blackness Castle
Calling all you Outlander fans out there! This is a spot you’ll definitely be wanting to visit, being a filming location for season 1 episode 6. Blackness Castle was portrayed as Fort William in the scene where Jamie Fraser is being whipped by Johnathan Randall.
Blackness Port had a royal palace only a few miles away in the form of Linlithgow Palace, which suggests the port was used by the King of Scotland at that time, David I.
Records of ships being loaded and unloaded date to the early 1200s. Blackness was at the heart of King Edward I’s supply chain to Linlithgow Palace, which would then supply his planned siege of Stirling Castle in 1304.
No record of the castle existed in 1301-2, but it seems highly unlikely that Edward would leave this port undefended. The castle isn’t mentioned until 1449 and is under the control of the Admiral of Scotland, Sir George Crichton.
It eventually became a Royal Residence, after King James II annexed the castle from the Crichton's control, and remained so for the rest of its days.
Abercorn Church
Abercorn Church
Somewhere that won’t be on traveller’s bucket lists, Abercorn Church is a hidden, tranquil little church found just outside Edinburgh. A part of this church can be dated back to the 1100s! The blocked-off door entrance can be seen from outside the church, which is believed to have been the entryway of a two-celled church.
Abercorn Church could date back even further with the museum displaying Viking hog-back burial stones, a cross slab, and a carved cross-shaft dating back to the 600s!
St Ninian graced the area while on a mission to convert the Picts to Christianity in the 400s! His followers established a church here, and then the Kingdom of Northumbria made Abercorn one of its four seats of Bishops in the late 600s.
There is another reason why people might what to explore this magical little church. Abercorn is also a filming location for Outlander. The scene is from season 4 where the graveyard was portrayed as one found in Boston in the 1960s. Brianna visits her father's grave after his tragic death in a car accident.
Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as I will continue these wee excursions all over the country.
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