The world of Outlander, brought to life by Diana Gabaldon, has captivated readers and viewers alike with its rich historical backdrop and compelling characters. Among the many iconic locations in the series one that stood out for its mystique was Lallybroch.
For years, fans speculated about its whereabouts and appearance until its on-screen portrayal in the Outlander series. In this blog, we delve into the journey of discovering Lallybroch, from its ambiguous inception in the books to its concrete address in the show.
Outlander chapter 26 ‘The Laird’s Return’
It was larger than I had expected; a handsome three-storey house of harled stone, windows outlined in the natural grey stone, a high slate roof with multiple chimneys, and several smaller whitewashed buildings clustered about it, like chicks about a hen. The old stone broch, situated on a small rise to the rear of the house, rose sixty feet above the ground, cone-topped like a witch’s hat, girdled with three rows of tiny arrow slits.
Lallybroch, the ancestral home of the Fraser family, was first introduced in the Outlander book series. With only vague references to its proximity to Inverness readers were left to imagine its appearance.
When Diana Gabaldon first visited Scotland after the publication of Outlander she was guided around Inverness by Hugh Allison. Hugh has suggested that Ord House Hotel could possibly be the real-life representation of Lallybroch, considering its historical significance. However the true location of Lallybroch remained a mystery until the TV series brought it to life with a visual representation.
The long-awaited reveal of Lallybroch’s depiction in the Outlander series came in January 2014 during an Outlander Fan event in LA. It was then that Ron Moore proudly unveiled the stunning portrayal of the iconic estate. To bring Lallybroch to life they chose the picturesque Midhope Castle located in Abercorn, South Queensferry near the vibrant city of Edinburgh.
Midhope Castle undoubtedly breathtaking and a perfect filming location for Lallybroch holds its own charm as it sits close to the Outlander studio in Cumbernauld. Despite being distant from Inverness it provides an ideal backdrop for the Fraser family’s ancestral home. A visit to Midhope has become the pinnacle of any Outlander tour and we were fortunate to experience it during the filming of season one when the set was fully intact.
Being immersed in the enchanting world of Outlander at Midhope Castle is an absolute dream come true for every devoted fan of the series.
Season 7 of the Outlander series had a delightful surprise for fans! Starz revealed the official address for Lallybroch, crafted by Diana Gabaldon herself!
Oh, and here’s an interesting tidbit: postcodes in Scotland started with the National Records of Scotland (NRS) in 1973 when they began plotting postcode boundaries.
Tuarach House
17 Old Broch Road
Brochburnie
IV4 5JF
Invernessshire, Scotland
With this official address Lallybroch gained a new level of authenticity for Outlander enthusiasts. Its location within Invernessshire, a historically significant county renowned for its stunning landscapes. The fictional residence of the Fraser family was now firmly situated in the picturesque Beauly or Cannich area, specifically within Fraser Country added depth to the story’s backdrop.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Jamie Fraser, has been affectionately referred to as Lord Broch Tuarach and the presence of an ancient broch on the property further adds to the allure of Lallybroch. The term “Broch Tuarach” translates to “north-facing tower,” emphasizing the unique feature on the estate.
The official postcode IV4 5JF does not exist, but the first part IV4 is where Lallybroch is indeed located clearly outlined in red on the map. As for the mystery of the “5,” it remains unsolved, leaving us to wonder if it has any connection to our beloved Jamie Fraser, hinted by the “JF” part. If we come across any further information, we’ll be sure to share it with you!
The Cannich area boasts awe-inspiring landscapes, which provides the perfect backdrop for Lallybroch in the Outlander book series.
Notably, the presence of the nearby Mollardoch Dam and Monar Hydroelectric Dam added a touch of authenticity, possibly serving as the hydro-electric dam where Brianna worked.
In the books Errochty Dam is mentioned but this Dam is 85 miles south of Inverness and Outlander Starz, filmed at Ben Lawers Dam which is 110 miles south of Inverness. Both Dams would make a long commute to work 😉 Also Sloy Hydro-Electric Dam was used to film the tunnel scenes (130 miles south of Inverness ) .
These dams stand as incredible achievements showcasing Scotland’s engineering prowess and its ability to harness the raw power of nature. Serving as vital components of the Affric-Beauly hydro-electric power scheme, the construction of Mollardoch Dam in 1951 and Monar Dam in 1962 marked transformative moments in the region’s history. These feats of engineering have not only shaped the landscape but have also contributed significantly to Scotland’s energy resources.
The journey of discovering Lallybroch has been an exciting one for Outlander fans. From its ambiguous inception in the books to its visual representation in the TV series and finally, the revelation of its official address, Lallybroch has become an integral part of the Outlander universe. With its strong ties to history and its captivating surroundings, it continues to enchant and inspire fans worldwide. For those who venture to the Cannich area, the picturesque landscapes and nearby Mollardoch Dam serve as a tangible connection to the world of Outlander making it an unforgettable experience for any enthusiast.
Some fans have an intriguing theory about the Lallybroch postcode, suggesting it might be a clever reference to Inverness, the Jacobite rising of the ’45, and, of course, Jamie Fraser himself. The postcode IV4 5JF sure seems to hold more meaning than meets the eye!
Inverness Outlanders 
Fascinating story! Just a small request – for those who have visual issues when looking at websites, could you try to avoid very pale type face colors (like the one used for quoting the book passage early in this article?) Darker colors would be really helpful for some of us old folks. Thanks for considering this.
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Sorry about that we couldn’t figure out how to change that on WordPress
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Thanks for considering it, though. Many sites just don’t care.
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