New Delhi, March 2 -- I found Outlander by chance one evening when channel-surfing turned into staying put. The dashing, modern-day braveheart with his quiet strength, fierce loyalty and love for a time-travelling "sassenach" created a pull for Scotland, which emerged as a character in the show with its castles, glens and villages.

That ability to turn place into presence has made Outlander one of the most influential chapters in modern screen tourism. When the series ends this year, it will close a remarkable eight-season run that didn't merely use Scotland as a backdrop, but reshaped how audiences around the world imagined the country.

Scotland's cinematic pedigree predates Outlander, which came to screens in 2014, but few productions...