This is a blog written for Grantown Business Association about an Outlander dressing-up experience at the town’s museum.
I was lucky enough to be taken onto a project to promote the town as a tourist destination in late 2021 and wrote some blogs and press releases. I’m still work for the business association, helping to manage their Facebook and Instagram posts.
Do you love Outlander as much as we do? The romance, the history, the costumes – it’s a brilliant series that has brought thousands of visitors to the Highlands in search of the locations that inspired the story. Now Grantown-on-Spey has a spot on the Outlander tourist trail, with a special dressing-up experience that will turn you into Claire or Jamie.
Strike a pose in red
Grantown Museum has created 20 handmade replica outfits for its Adventures in Costumes dressing-up experience. This is a unique opportunity to be transported back in time and learn more about the fashions of the day. You can even go “on location” to a local castle for a photoshoot commemorating your day.
The costumes range from the 18th century to the early 20th century period.
One of the showstoppers is a reproduction of a striking red dress worn by Claire Randall in series two of Outlander. Other outfits from the series include Claire’s wedding dress and a kilt outfit similar to that worn by Jamie, complete with cravat, coat, baldric and sword belt.
Fans of Netflix hit Bridgerton are not neglected either, with a selection of Regency style outfits available for ladies. And there’s a cutaway coat with waistcoat and breeches for the gentlemen.
Or perhaps ladies would rather visit the early 1900s and don the fashions seen in Downton Abbey?
A helping hand
Not sure how to put on a corset? Don’t worry, a dresser is on hand to help you put on the costumes and give information about the various items and their history.
The costumes were handmade by museum director Suzi Wilson during lockdown. She set out to replace some of the museum’s existing dressing-up collection aimed at children.
But then she switched to adult outfits, creating the “Claire in Scotland” dress that is now part of the collection. Backed by a grant from Museums and Galleries Scotland’s Covid recovery fund, she and museum curator Dan Cottam expanded the collection. And there’s now a dedicated dressing-up space for the start of the 2022 season.
A great sewing challenge
Each outfit took two weeks to make, with the silver thread embroidery on Claire’s wedding dress proving one of the biggest challenges.
Suzi said: “Outlander brings so many people to Scotland that I thought they might like the experience of dressing up as Claire and Jamie. I did some research on 18th century clothing and examined the costumes on the show. I had been a fan of Outlander for a while. I read all the books and was blown away by Claire’s dresses on the show.
“The first Outlander outfit I made was based on what Claire first wears when she first arrives in 18th century Scotland. A brown wool skirt with green velvet bodice and stomacher. I also made the appropriate underwear – a chemise and corset. I then made the outfit for Jamie with the great kilt and the coat, waistcoat and shirt.”
Suzi said: “It has been a great experience for me making all the costumes – I have learned so much about 18th and 19th century clothing, and it is great fun to dress visitors and see them transformed by wearing historical costumes.”
The experience is a key part of the town’s new heritage itinerary.
The museum, based at Burnfield House, tells the story of the town’s founding by Sir James Grant and its development through the next 200 plus years. The museum is also featured on a heritage walk that takes visitors to the town’s oldest and most important buildings.
Experience the history
Museum curator Dan Cottam said: “The collection looks fantastic and we are delighted with what Suzi has achieved. The costumes are amazing.
“The 18th century costumes are the most different from what we wear now, from the way you put them on, to the inclusion of the corset, which makes you feel and move differently.
“By dressing up in historical dress, you are not only learning about the clothes but also the period that they come from. The idea is to provide experiential learning.”
Book your dressing-up adventure
A one hour experience for up to two people at the museum is £50. This includes trying on an outfit and the chance to have photographs taken.
Hen parties, up to a maximum of six, can also be staged at the museum in the evenings, complete with champagne. This experience costs £200.
Or you can go on-location wearing one of the outfits for a morning or afternoon, with nearby Ballindalloch Castle one of the most popular choices.
The full range can be seen at www.adventuresincostume.com
Grantown Museum is also a key location on Grantown Online’s History and Heritage itinerary, which also features a walk around key historic buildings in the town. You can find full details here www.grantownonline.com/a-place-for-people/history-heritage-period-costume-itinerary-2/
Jane Candlish 
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