• Scotland 2022

    I am a case study in the field of Outlander fandom. Little did I know that after I first watched the show on that long ago day in 2015 that I’d end up making three trips to Scotland over the years. Before then the country was in the backwater of my mind. In fact Scotland

  • “Clanlands” Book Review from an (un)biased Fan

    Sam Heughan is a busy man. Not even a pandemic could slow him down! While the rest of us were noshing on chips watching Netflix and becoming a permanent fixture on our couch this guy was writing a book. When I first heard I thought oh god I hope he’s not becoming that celebrity who

  • UK Bound 2019

    Since falling in love with Outlander in 2016 I’ve made new friends from abroad and close by, visited Scotland (when I thought I’d never go), met Laura Donnelly (Jenny Fraser!) after she comped me a ticket to her play The Ferryman, and had exciting experiences like meeting Sam Heughan on national TV. Where’s my love for

  • I ❤ Social Media!

    I love social media!! When it’s used for good and not evil. Like when someone, let’s call her Nice UK Stranger Lady On Instagram, is sitting behind Tobias Menzies in a London restaurant and posts a picture of it. I then (cautiously) engage in conversation (not to appear too crazy) subtly (or not so subtly)

  • Urban in Scotland: Argyll the West Coast

    Rolling out of bed at 8:00am, I putter around my dark hotel room. I’m getting ready for my last full day in Scotland and I’m spending it with Àdhamh Ò’Broin the Gaelic consultant famously known in the Outlander fandom for consulting on the show. He is taking me around Argyll a western county of Scotland.

  • An Outlandish Chat with Photographer Martin Scott Powell

    Earlier this year before I traveled to Scotland, I got a little help from a native Scot named Martin Scott Powell. We met through Ellen Christine a mutual milliner friend (her interview is here). During Outlander‘s Season 2 promotion, I tweeted how beautiful the Departures magazine photos of Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe were. Ellen responded

  • Urban in Scotland: Mallaig & Oban – Fairies Welcome

      Driving from Edinbane, the northern part of Skye, I wind down the roads to catch the ferry back to the mainland. The sun is out and its rays dance on the lochs, glittering along the shore amidst the deep blue water. My eye catches a wee sign posted on the side of the road

  • Season 3 Episode 2: “Surrender”

    Episode dos!  Brad Pitt reprises his famous Legends of the Fall role! 😉  Jenny is poppin’ those kids out while filing her nails. Frank – You’re not bringing sexy back. Off Outlander Topic: Caitriona Balfe I want your skin but I’m not paying more than $20 for it.    

  • Isle of Skye: “I Wouldn’t Cross the Street for an Accordion”

    It’s a beautiful clear morning in Glencoe and I begin making my way west to Mallaig to jump on a ferry that heads for Isle of Skye. After driving the previous two days from Edinburgh, I gas up before getting on the ferry because I hear gas stations on Skye are limited (there are a

  • Urban in Scotland: Ghost Stories

    Claire: It looks like you’ve seen a ghost. Frank: I’m not at all sure that I haven’t.             A year and a half ago, I began researching a trip to Scotland and my friend Sarah tells me about the short time she spent in Edinburgh years ago. “It has a

  • Urban in Scotland: A 3 Day Outlander Tour

    Inverness Tours with Hugh Allison I can’t say enough about Hugh Allison! His 2017 tours were largely booked seven months prior to my trip – He’s that good. He’s really wonderful and makes my trip extra special. The depth of his knowledge about Scottish history is bottomless! He’s a tall, avuncular man in his 50s

  • Urban in Scotland: Day 6 – Cranesmuir, Wentworth Prison, Inverness

    It’s my first morning in Edinburgh and I have planned a big day to visit a bunch of Outlander locations. The rain has subsided and resorted itself to overcast and cool weather. The night before I meet Sharon my host at Ramsay’s B&B. I tell her all the places I’m going to hit the next day.            

  • Urban in Scotland Series

      I was surprised and delighted to experience this small country. If you asked me only a few years ago if I’d ever visit, I’d scoff and say “No! What’s there?” Sometimes what you don’t know can keep you from experiencing so much! Say what you will but Outlander on Starz inspired me to visit

  • Urban in Scotland: Day 1 Glasgow & the West End

    When I arrive in Glasgow on a late Wednesday morning, the weather is fine. Hey I didn’t come here for the sun (there is none)! Although on my first day, it’s none of that Scottish “dreich” (Scots word for the wet, cold, gloomy weather) that I hear so much about. Yes it was cloudy but

  • Urban in Scotland: The Itinerary & Music List

    If you asked me over two years ago if I was interested in traveling to Scotland, I would’ve said nope. Well after two seasons of Outlander and a few books by Diana Gabaldon, I’m just days away from traveling to this small country that has claimed a piece of people’s hearts! See my itinerary below and then take

  • What Would Claire Do?: Traveling Solo

               The hem of my blue skirt flaps in the wind as I bike along a dirt path on a main road that heads back into a small town. I’m beating the sun’s descent below the humid horizon as my legs peddle faster. The dampness of my hair clings to my

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