SEVERAL of Scotland’s historic sites are benefitting from a phenomenon known the “Outlander effect”, causing a surge in visitor numbers.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the public body charged with maintaining, protecting and promoting the country’s physical heritage, announced the rise in visitors to sites in its care so far in 2017, after some were featured in the hit television series.

The announcement comes as the historical time-travel drama made its UK terrestrial television debut this week.

Blackness Castle – which features in the show as a stand-in for Fort William – has seen the most significant rise in visitors, up 72 per cent from April 1 to June 25 when compared to the same period last year.

Doune Castle, famed for its role as the fictional Castle Leoch, recorded an impressive 50 per cent rise, while several other sites – Aberdour Castle (58 per cent), Linlithgow Palace (43 per cent) and Glasgow Cathedral (39 per cent) – also saw an increase.

This year, HES – a registered charity – launched its Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. The year-long celebration highlights Scotland’s people, its distinct culture and traditions and historic landscapes, attractions and icons, as well as its hidden gems and amazing stories.

Stephen Duncan, director of commercial and tourism at HES who manages 300 Historic Scotland visitor attractions, said: “I’m delighted to welcome this boost in visitor numbers as we continue to celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

“This is an excellent return on the investment we have made across our estate. At Doune Castle, for example, after upgrading the visitor and retail offering, we have seen retail income increase 62 per cent for the year to date.

“Featuring in Outlander has opened up our sites to a whole new audience, inspiring more and more visitors to come and discover the history behind these places, further demonstrating the enduring value and significance of heritage attractions in Scotland.”

During the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, tourists are encouraged to enjoy the splendour of some of Scotland’s most famous and dramatic castles and discover tales of legendary kings and queens, Jacobite battles, stories handed down from one generation to the next.

Visitors can also experience their clan’s homeland, take in the breathtaking sounds of a hundred pipers skirling, or stare in wonder at the ever-changing natural landscapes that have played a key part in Scotland’s history.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “It’s fantastic to see that the international success of Outlander continues to draw visitors from around the world to visit treasured heritage sites like Doune Castle and Blackness Castle and to find out more about Scotland’s rich history and fascinating heritage.

“The TV drama showcases Scotland to international audiences and has helped strengthen the growth we’re seeing in tourism from overseas.

“I’m delighted Scottish and UK audiences will now be able to watch Outlander on terrestrial TV, and look forward to seeing the impact on visitor numbers to the heritage sites that provide the stunning backdrop to the series.”

HES is also behind Our Place in Time, Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment.

The strategy aims to cross-cut strategic priorities – ensuring that the value of our heritage continues to contribute to Scotland’s well-being – and to continually develop knowledge and understanding of the past and how best to conserve, sustain and protect it.