Outlander’s Sam Heughan on Scotland, Clanlands and playing James Bond
Outlander star and global pin-up Sam Heughan discusses his love of his homeland Scotland, the possibility of playing James Bond and the appeal of men in kilts.
Stellar
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The three most Googled questions about you are: Is Sam Heughan in a relationship? Who is Sam Heughan’s wife? Is Sam Heughan single? Are you sensing a pattern here?
Well, what I know is that Google localises questions based on what area you’re in, so it sounds like I need to move to Australia.
Australian or not, your fans are very enthusiastic. How have you managed that at events or – even more problematically – on social media?
Enthusiastic... [Laughs] That’s a good word for them. They’re certainly enthusiastic, it’s wonderful. From day one, they’ve been so supportive and vocal about Outlander and us actors. They’re so engaged, probably more so than other TV series fan groups.
Initially I didn’t have a big presence on social media; I’ve had to learn along the way, but I love to interact with fans.
Along with your ‘Outlander’ co-star Graham McTavish, you travelled around Scotland, made a docu-series about it called Men in Kilts, and have now written a book. How did it all come about?
The book wasn’t really on our radar. I was looking to create a show based around Scotland and the clans. A little way into it, when I realised what we had, I went out to a couple of publishers just to see if anyone would be interested.
The first few seasons of ‘Outlander’ were based around Culloden and the famous battle there. Can you describe what it felt like when you and Graham travelled there and stood on the land?
Yeah, wow... what an experience. I first went there seven years ago in preparation for Outlander because I knew it was a big part of our story. It’s a mass grave and you can really feel a sense of that. It’s always windy there, it’s always cold and it’s a very, very sombre place.
‘Outlander’ is about to go into its sixth season, and the audience keeps growing. Why do you think it’s resonated?
There are a number of reasons, but I believe it’s because at the very heart of it, it’s about a relationship that people aspire to. Whether you’re Jamie or you’re Claire, you want to be in that sort of loving relationship, that’s just 100 per cent loyal.
The writer of the ‘Outlander’ series, Diana Gabaldon, puts it down to the appeal of men in kilts, and in your book, Graham describes the show as “tartan and soft porn”.
What are your thoughts on that?
[Laughs] Yeah, I thought that was a little harsh and I believe I scolded Graham for that in our book. Diana is funny. Do I think it comes down to men in kilts? Well, I think there’s a romanticism and a certain mystique around the Highlanders and the Scots.
Your name frequently comes up when people talk about who they want to see as the next James Bond. If it came your way, would you be up for it?
Obviously, yes – it would be a big yes. Of course any actor would want it. But I also have a theory that any reasonably well-known British actor who’s worn a suit instantly has their name thrown into the ring by fans.
Obviously we can’t travel far at the moment, but can you give your best sales pitch as to why Scotland should be at the top of our list when we can?
I imagine that Scotland is at the top of the list for many Australians, and should firmly remain there. Some of the most remote parts of Scotland are the most beautiful, the islands especially. They have so much folklore and history, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches.
The water isn’t as warm as in Australia, but it’s certainly as blue and as clean and fresh. So get over when it’s safe and take a brisk swim in the northern sea.
Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish (Hachette, $32.99) is out Tuesday.
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Originally published as Outlander’s Sam Heughan on Scotland, Clanlands and playing James Bond