A CASTLE that was the inspiration for time-travelling blockbuster Outlander is being given government funding for a restoration project.

Castle Leod in Strathpeffer, Easter Ross, is widely thought to be the inspiration for the fictional ‘Castle Leoch’ in the Diana Gabaldon novels, which have been transformed into a TV drama, starring Sam Heughan.

The castle is one of seven recipients of building repair grants across Scotland.

Other projects to benefit from the scheme include affordable housing in one of Glasgow’s most deprived areas, and a health and wellbeing centre in Paisley. 

The projects will share a total of £576,460 through Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Building Repair Grant Scheme.