If you are struggling with *Outlander* withdrawal, it is time to map out your next onscreen journey through the misty hills and dramatic history of the north. From gritty medieval rebellions to sweeping Highland family sagas, these ten incredible series will transport you straight back to Scotland.
If you have ever found yourself staring longingly at misty green ridges, wishing a stone circle would transport you back to 18th-century Scotland, you are suffering from the classic Outlander withdrawal. Claire and Jamie Fraser set a high bar for historical drama, blending sweeping scenery, political intrigue, and deep heritage.
Fortunately, the Scottish landscape has long been a muse for television. From medieval clan wars to 20th-century mysteries, the rugged Highlands and cobblestone streets of Edinburgh provide the perfect backdrops. Grab a cup of tea (or a dram of whisky) and map out your next onscreen journey with these ten historical series set in Scotland.
Mary Queen of Scots (Reign)
While this highly stylised CW historical drama takes liberties with fashion and history, it captures the intense stakes surrounding Scotland’s most famous monarch. Follow Mary Stuart as she navigates power, love, and survival.
Though set largely in France and Scotland, much of it was actually filmed in Ireland at Ashford Castle and on various soundstages in Canada; however, you can easily visit Mary's real-world historic stomping grounds at Holyrood Palace right in the heart of Edinburgh.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmTEQbeOVco
Blood of the Clans
For fans who love the gritty, accurate history behind Outlander's Jacobite risings, this three-part docudrama is a must-watch. Narrated by Neil Oliver, it walks viewers through the brutal conflicts that shaped the Highlands.
The production was shot directly across the real historic sites of the Highlands, setting its dramatic reenactments against the haunting valleys of Glen Coe and the windswept, historic battlefields around Perthshire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgQ88Ga8o78
Monarch of the Glen
If you want to fast-forward to a lighter, early-2000s take on Scottish estate culture, this classic drama follows a young restaurateur who returns to the Highlands to take over his family's eccentric, struggling estate.
The fictional village and estate of Glenbogle were brought to life on location at the spectacular Ardverikie Estate, which sits beautifully on the forested edge of Loch Laggan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcyb6AexxP8
Stone of Destiny
Technically a film, but widely available as a streaming feature, this mid-20th-century period piece tells the true story of four Scottish nationalist students who broke into Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1950 to steal the ancient coronation stone back for Scotland.
The historic heist and campus life were filmed on location across the vibrant streets of Glasgow, the striking medieval architecture of Paisley Abbey, and the preserved historic houses of Dunkeld.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9scyo1fQXbc
Rillington Place (Scottish Portions)
While this dark, biographical 1940s true-crime drama is centred on London events, it is a fantastic watch for those who love the mid-century aesthetics of Outlander’s early seasons—and it has deep production roots north of the border.
To recreate the look of mid-century London, the production team utilised the ornate historic architecture of Glasgow’s West End, the vintage railways of Bo'ness, and industrial backdrops in Dumbarton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4I6YRuNBZA
The White Princess (Scottish Episodes)
This Starz miniseries tracks the rise of the Tudor dynasty. Fans of Outlander will appreciate the political scheming when the narrative shifts focus to the Perkin Warbeck rebellion, which involves the Scottish court of King James IV.
To represent the rugged, impenetrable strongholds of the Scottish Crown, the production team captured the breathtaking, cliffside ruins of Dunnottar Castle perched over the North Sea in Aberdeenshire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYrTUpEm7kg
Castles in the Sky
Set on the eve of World War II, this compelling period drama tells the story of Scottish scientist Robert Watson-Watt, the pioneer who raced against time to invent the radar system that would save Britain during the Blitz.
The intense historical race against time was shot heavily on location throughout the historic streets of Edinburgh and along the windswept, rugged coastal areas of East Lothian.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Id2uOYywx1E
One of Us (Shetland/Highlands Setting)
Known as Retribution in some streaming markets, this gripping, dark family drama unfolds in the isolated, rural landscape of Scotland. It deals heavily with generational family dynamics and remote communities—themes very familiar to Fraser clan enthusiasts.
The atmospheric and tense family saga was filmed heavily across the iconic, moody scenery of Glen Coe as well as rural farmsteads in East Kilbride.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5UFSUPQZ34
Shetland
If you love the atmospheric, moody tone of the Scottish islands, this acclaimed murder mystery series—based on the novels by Ann Cleeves—delivers a masterclass in slow-burn tension against an isolated, historic island backdrop.
The drama was shot extensively on the actual Shetland Islands to capture the remote port town of Lerwick, with additional mainland scenes filmed along the coastal landscapes of Ayrshire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWHelCrYpHA
Outlaw King
Though packaged as a feature film on Netflix, this epic historical piece functions like a high-budget miniseries tracking Robert the Bruce's 14th-century rebellion. It features the same mud, blood, and fierce clan loyalty that drew audiences to Outlander.
Serving as a true love letter to Scottish landmarks, filming took place at the roofless ruins of Linlithgow Palace, the iconic Doune Castle (which played Castle Leoch in Outlander), and Edinburgh's hidden gem, Craigmillar Castle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-G1BME8FKw
Traveller's Tip: Many of these locations are easily accessible via day trips from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Historic Environment Scotland manages sites like Doune and Craigmillar, making it easy to buy a pass and walk in the footsteps of your favourite characters.
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