A new campaign capitalising on the renewed global appeal of Bonnie Prince Charlie, sparked by Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander, has been given a £40,000 boost by VisitScotland – Scotland’s national tourist organisation.

National Museums Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Royal Collection Trust and The National Trust for Scotland have joined forces to create a new trail of 25 properties and attractions throughout the country whose history is intertwined with Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites.

The announcement comes on the 229th anniversary of Charlie’s death (31 January 1788) and at a time when the historical figure plays a major role in the hit television series, Outlander.

Through a combination of creating online videos, media promotions and blogger activity, the £40,000 match-funding from VisitScotland’s Growth Fund will allow the campaign to reach a greater digital audience, while also tying in with the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

A key part of the campaign takes place from 23 June to 12 November, when the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh will host the biggest exhibition on the Jacobites in more than 70 years. This will include, among numerous other items, Charlie’s shield, sword and his travelling canteen.

A new website – www.jacobitetrail.co.uk – has been created for the campaign. The trail can be downloaded from the site now, with a range of further resources to be added in the coming months. Locations highlighted in the online trail include:

• Glenfinnan Monument, Highlands – the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore on 19 August 1745 and raised the Stuart standard, beginning the final Jacobite Rising which would end at Culloden
• Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh – when the Jacobite army took Scotland’s capital city in September 1745, Charlie set up court at the Palace
• Edinburgh Castle – a building Charlie was famously unable to capture during his lifetime.Doune Castle, Stirling – a principal filming location for Outlander, the castle was occupied by government troops during the 1689 and 1715 Risings but was taken by the Jacobites in 1745
• Culloden Battlefield, Highlands – using 360-degree immersion theatre, the multi award-winning attraction takes visitors back to one of the bloodiest periods in Scottish history, where the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie fought to reclaim the throne
• Fort George, Highlands – established in the aftermath of Culloden to house government soldiers, the fort has changed little in almost 250 years of active service.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland’s history and culture is one the top reasons for visiting Scotland and 2017 offers huge opportunities for the tourism industry and collaboration across sectors. Bonnie Prince Charlie is one of Scotland’s most enduring historical figures and we are delighted, through the VisitScotland Growth Fund, to support this collaborative campaign that will help visitors follow in his footsteps.”

Simon Skinner, Chief Executive of The National Trust for Scotland, said: “The Jacobite story is one of Scotland’s most complex, compelling and, ultimately, tragic tales. Through this partnership we hope to bring this important part of Scotland’s heritage to life for visitors at the sites where these events took place.”

Janet Redler, Chief Executive of Janet Redler Travel and Tourism, added: “The larger than life characters in Scotland’s history are one of the main reasons Scotland is such a popular tourist destination. This excellent new trail will help fans of Outlander, and all those interested in the life and times of Bonnie Prince Charlie, get the most out of a tour of Scotland.”

If you would like to follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie on a tailor made tour of Scotland, please do contact our friendly team today.