ALLOA TOWER could see a surge in visitors this year as it forms part of a nationwide Jacobite Trail established to capitalise on the popularity of Outlander.

The hit TV show, which is an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's series of novels, has sparked renewed interest in Bonnie Prince Charlie and the uprisings.

As a result, VisitScotland has set aside £40,000 to support a campaign to draw more tourists to those heritage sites connected to the Jacobite cause.

National Museums Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, Royal Collection Trust and The National Trust for Scotland joined forces to create a trail of 25 properties and attractions throughout the country whose history is intertwined with the Old Pretender and the rebellion

Alloa Tower is one of the sites included, along with Stirling Castle and Doune Castle.

Located just south-east of Kilncraigs, the tower is one of Scotland's largest and oldest keeps and the ancestral home of the influential Erskine family, the Earls of Mar and Kellie.

The Erskines were loyal supporters of several Stuart monarchs who spent part of their early lives at Alloa Tower, including Mary, Queen of Scots and James VI and I. The tower was also home to John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, the famous Jacobite who led the 1715 Rising.

Alison Fraser, senior assistant at Alloa Tower, said: "The trail is to tie in with the 2017 Year of History and Archaeology.

"He was a Jacobite commander and quite an influential character. He was a major part of 1715 and without 1715 there was no 1745.

"Alloa Tower is his ancestral home, so there is a very strong Jacobite connection here."

The story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites is said to be embedded in Scotland's rich and turbulent history, resonating across the centuries.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: "Scotland's history and culture is one the top reasons for visiting Scotland and 2017 offers huge opportunities for the tourism industry and collaboration across sectors.

"Bonnie Prince Charlie is one of Scotland's most enduring historical figures and we are delighted to support this collaborative campaign that will help visitors follow in his footsteps."

Last week, actor Mark Kydd dressed as 'The Young Pretender' to help launch the campaign at Edinburgh Castle – one of the properties on the trail and a building Charlie was famously unable to capture during his lifetime.

A key part of the campaign takes place from 23 June to 12 November, when the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh will host the biggest exhibition on the Jacobites in more than 70 years, including items such as Charlie's shield, sword and his travelling canteen.

A new website – www.jacobitetrail.co.uk – has recently been set up and the trail itself can be downloaded from the site, with a range of further resources to be added in the coming months.

Meanwhile, Alloa Tower will open for the season on April 1.