Outlander fans predict great things for new TV series . . . and strath
Outlandish! That’s the way things are getting, thanks to the latest film sensation to be set in the strath.
A mega US TV series based on the blockbusting novel "Outlander" is currently being filmed locally, as revealed by the ‘Strathy" last week.
Crucial period scenes have been shot at Newtonmore’s ready-made film set, Highland Folk Museum, which boast an authentic 18th century turf house township among its many attractions.
Diana Gabaldon’s seven-book literary series, which has sold more than 20 million copies, has spawned a massive fan club around the world, and is now set to create an even bigger fan club through its televisation.
Already the strath has seen the first ‘Outlander’ fans descend from across Scotland, and even beyond, to see some of the TV scenes being shot. Filming had remained remarkably discrete until a sudden plethora of Winnebagos appeared at the folk park entrance for a few days just over a week ago.
Recording has also taken place at Tulloch Ghru, just outside Aviemore.
Simone Laufer visted the beauty spot with two of her fellow Outlander followers.
She had come all the way over from Germany on hearing that Battlestar Galactica executive producer Ronald D. Moore was working on the new TV series in the Highlands
"We’re crazy about Outlander and it will be marvellous to see it filmed at last," she said. "I’ve been a fan of the books for 14 years."
Emma Bradie is a 28-year-old hotel manager who had travelled up from Stirling to the strath to try and catch a glimpse of the stars.
"We’re hoping to see some of the action," she said. "It’s a fantastic story and I’ve been reading the books for 10 years now."
The fans who spoke to the "Strathy" were all thrilled that Strathspey and Badenoch’s unspoilt beauty had caught the attention of the makers.
Another devotee, Sinead Robertson from Inverness, predicted big things for the TV series.
She said: "There’s now a humungous Twitter world with millions of us following Outlander. We’re just nuts about the story because it’s just so beautifully written, telling how Claire Randell passes through magic stones into the past, where she is forced into marrying Jamie Fraser, who is being played by Sam Heughan.
"I can assure you, if the books are anything to go by the TV series will be a huge success and only good for the strath."
