US TV series Outlander to film in Scotland

Sam Heughan will take the lead role in Outlander. Picture: Getty

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An adaptation of the book series by US author Diana Gabalbon, the production could create as many as 2,400 part-time roles for supporting and background actors when filming begins later this year.

River City stay Sam Heughan has already been confirmed as the lead character James Fraser, who uses time travel to pass between 18th and 20th century Scotland in the books.

A new television studio will be built near Glasgow for the production, which will take advantage of the UK government’s recently introduced tax breaks for the television and animation industries.

Chancellor George Osborne described the news as “an exciting development”. He added: “I am delighted that Outlander will be filmed in Scotland, and welcome the extra investment that will be made to the Scottish television industry.”

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