Balvaird Castle, a Perthshire tower house that serves as Castle Leathers in the Outlander prequel series Blood of My Blood, has reopened to visitors for the first time in more than a decade. The historic site, built in 1495 and cared for by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), will welcome guests on guided tours throughout the summer.
Castle Leathers in Outlander: Blood of My Blood
In the series, the late 15th-century tower house is depicted as the ancestral home of Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, played by Tony Curran. Lord Lovat is the grandfather of Jamie Fraser, portrayed by Sam Heughan in the original Outlander series. The castle was chosen by the Outlander team due to its remarkably complete state, with much of its original setting surviving, which helped bring the world of the show to life on screen.
Tour details and visitor experience
Guided tours run on selected dates until August 22, with four daily tours at 9:45 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM. Each tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and is suitable for children aged seven and above. Visitors can climb the roof walk for stunning views over the Ochil Hills and learn about the Murray family, who built and lived in the castle during the 16th century.
Anne-Marie O'Reilly, Regional Visitor and Community Manager for Central Scotland at HES, said: "Balvaird Castle is visually stunning, and it's entirely understandable that it landed a starring role on Outlander: Blood of My Blood. The castle has so much to offer, from wonderful scenery to its fascinating history, and we're excited to welcome visitors inside for the first time in over ten years."
Practical information
Due to ongoing conservation work, visitors taking part in the indoor section of the tour will be provided with hard hats and high-visibility vests. Sturdy footwear is required, and the experience may not be suitable for everyone due to uneven surfaces, spiral staircases, and roof walk access. Adult tickets cost £11, concessions are £9, and children aged seven to 15 can visit for £6.50 when accompanied by an adult. Specific tour dates are available on the HES website.
The Outlander effect
The reopening is likely to be popular with fans of the time-travelling romantic drama, which has transformed Scotland into a must-visit destination for viewers worldwide. The so-called 'Outlander effect' has seen thousands of fans travel from America and across Europe to visit filming locations. With the original Outlander series now finished and Blood of My Blood in its second season, this rare opportunity allows fans to experience one of the franchise's filming locations up close while exploring one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles.
