Historic Scotland sites used in Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Blood of My Blood shifts between 18th century Scotland and England during the First World War as it tells the story of the parents of Outlander's Jamie and Claire. The prequel to the original smash hit series first began filming at Historic Scotland sites in early 2024. Production returned in the autumn of 2025 to film a second series, with Doune Castle added as a new filming location.

Ahead of season two airing on Friday 18 September, see some behind the scenes photos and plan a visit to the castles used for filming the series. They were all involved in plenty of fascinating history long before they became stars of the screen!

This well-preserved tower house in Perthshire stars in the series as Castle Leather, the ancestral home of Lord Simon Fraser.

Prominently perched on a hilltop overlooking rolling farmland, Balvaird Castle is an excellent setting for stories of drama and romance. It's also pretty perfect for filmmakers because, despite being a ruin, it's remarkably complete.

Most tower houses from this period now stand alone, without the other buildings and gardens which would have once surrounded them. Balvaird is rare because there's still evidence of inner and outer courtyards, service buildings, a walled garden and a large walled ‘pleasance’, or park. The exterior of Balvaird Castle can be viewed year-round.

Visit Balvaird Castle

Already a familiar setting for Outlander fans, Doune Castle was once again transformed into Castle Leoch, seat of the MacKenzie clan and home to Jamie Fraser’s mother.

Our behind the scenes photos show plenty of extras, props and horses being used to recreate a bustling castle community beneath Doune's imposing walls. It's a far cry from what is usually a peaceful and secluded ruin, located a short distance from Stirling.

Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland, left his mark on the stronghold, demonstrating his wealth and status through a cathedral-like great hall and a daunting, well-defended gatehouse.

If you explore the castle with our audio guide, you can hear from an actual member of Clan Mackenzie - well, sort of! Outlander star Sam Heughan is one of the narrators. The Ardoch Burn, River Teith and surrounding woodland allow you to immerse yourself in nature as well as history.

Doune Castle is open daily.

Visit Doune Castle

Before Blood of My Blood, a number of Historic Scotland sites were used in Outlander. Alongside Doune Castle's starring role as Castle Leoch, Linlithgow Palace, Aberdour Castle, Craigmillar Castle and Blackness Castle also featured in the series.

Production returned to Blackness for Blood of My Blood. You can spot “the ship that never sailed” when season two is released on 18 September.

Our Outlander locations

• Five Orcadian folktales from The Outrun
• Outlaw King: Behind the Scenes
• Historic Scotland sites that have become film stars