By Marilyn Baron
Did we really
think we would find him? Yes, I think we did. When I suggested to my traveling
companions that, maybe we would see Claire, they said, “Who cares?”
I came closest to
a sighting three times.
Once, in
Inverness, gateway to the Highlands, when I tried to go through the stones at
the ancient burial site at Clava Cairns. I placed my hands on a center stone
and hoped to be whisked away. But, alas, I had left my good jewelry at home and
anyone who’s read Outlander knows you
can’t travel through time without a jewel. What made me think I could do it?
Maybe the visit to Glenturret Distillery the day before where we had lunch and
a whisky tasting.
Second, at
Culloden House, a majestic Palladian mansion, where we tasted Highland hospitality
with Afternoon Tea, a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly homemade scones
served with whipped cream & jam, macaroons, Chocolate Tiffin, a selection of
pastries, Ham & Cheese Panier and a
Provençale Tart. Originally a Jacobean Castle, where in 1746, Bonnie Prince
Charlie requisitioned the building as his headquarters prior to the tragic
battle of 1746 that divided families and clans. It is now a hotel. I asked the receptionist
if she’d ever seen Diana Gabaldon and she said, yes, that the author stays in
one of the 28 charming bedrooms when she’s in town and as a matter of fact, had
just been there two weeks before we arrived. Missed her by that much!
And the author’s
(and Jamie’s) presence was everywhere when we visited the Culloden Battlefield
and Visitor Centre. Diana Gabaldon had an impressive display in the gift shop.
I bought my daughter a copy of Outlander
to try to get her hooked on the series.
Third, a young
French man, who was traveling with his mother and aunt on the tour, was so
enthralled with Scottish tradition, he turned into a highlander, literally, complete
with kilt and bagpipes. I have a picture of him with my daughter. He’s not
Jamie, but he would do in a pinch.
Though I tried
everything—I even ate haggis—alas, I never saw Jamie.
I have written historical fiction and I plan to set my next book in Scotland because of the natural beauty and allure of the place, probably on peaceful Loch Lomond, inspired by its breathtaking views from my window at Cameron House, where the sun never seemed to set.
I have written historical fiction and I plan to set my next book in Scotland because of the natural beauty and allure of the place, probably on peaceful Loch Lomond, inspired by its breathtaking views from my window at Cameron House, where the sun never seemed to set.
My hat is off to any author, like Diana Gabaldon, who can create a character as memorable as Jamie. Such an author can build worlds in a trendsetting genre and make a fictional character come alive.
That’s my goal and I imagine the goal of many writers. So, we plod on, at our computers, doing our research, making our magic. And maybe one day, we will find Jamie, in one of our own characters or people will travel to distant lands in search of the character of our own creation.
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