Businesses in Doune say they have experienced a boost from the popularity of hit show Outlander.

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Businesses in Doune say they have experienced a boost from the popularity of hit show Outlander.

Used as the location for Outlander’s Castle Leoch, the castle last year welcomed 142,091 visitors, a 17 per cent increase on the previous 12 months and a record for the attraction.

Doune Castle has proved to be one of Historic Environment Scotland’s most popular sites in 2018, recording a 36 per cent jump in visitors from 92,703 in 2016-17 to 125,772 in 2017-18.

Businesses owners in Doune say the influx of fans of the hit show, now on its fourth series, has been good for trade.

Lorna Bishop of Buttercup Cafe commented: “We have noticed a difference due to the Outlander effect. We’re now in three different guide books, so tourists will often come in while they are up visiting the castle.”

Malcolm Dryden, owner of lifestyle emporium Doune Time, said the boost in tourism has been beneficial to the town but has come with the odd headache for villagers.

Doune Castle also featured in epic TV series Game of Thrones

He said: “Tourism is great but often the tourists often don’t come to the shops. The ‘Outlander Effect’ is good in that it brings in tourists but it does also create local issues such as parking. It’s hard enough for local people to get parked, never mind tourists. But, these are the things that you have to put up with. The castle is performing really well, which is fantastic for tourism.”

Owner of the L’Angolino bistro, Craig Small, added: “ I think a few Scottish Castles have been used recently for new shows and films, and it’s had a good effect.”

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