10 fun facts about Outlander you probably didn't know

Outlander is a smash hit in both the literary and the entertainment world, with Diana Gabaldon's nine-strong (and counting) book series inspiring an award-winning TV show.

The author is currently writing the 10th novel and revealed that it may be the last to feature star-crossed lovers Jamie and Claire Fraser. The Starz-produced show is also going strong and is part-way through a seventh season and a prequel show, Blood of My Blood, is also in the works.

While there is plenty for Outlander diehards to enjoy, some superfans are growing impatient for the mid-season break to finish so they can get drawn right into the epic fantasy story once again.

So while the wait goes on, we thought we would look at some surprising facts from the books and the show - and its stars - to keep fans occupied.

1. The Outlander books were inspired by an episode of Doctor Who

Diana Gabaldon previously told how War Games, a 1969 Highland-themed episode of the sci-fi show, led to her penning the now-classic 1991 book as "practice" for a "real novel".

She revealed she was inspired after seeing the Tardis land in 1746 Scotland as Bonnie Prince Charlie faced defeat at the Battle of Culloden.

She said: "I was thinking a historical novel might be the easiest kind of book to write for practice when I happened to see a really old Doctor Who re-run. Jamie [The Second Doctor's Scottish companion, played by Frazer Hines] struck me with his attitude and male gallantry and I thought the kilt was rather fetching.

"I was thinking about that the next day in church and decided to set the book in Scotland in the 18th century. I had no plot, nothing, just this notion of a man in a kilt. I called my man Jamie but otherwise he has nothing in common with Jamie from Doctor Who."

2. The idea for Jamie was also inspired by a man who may have actually fought at Culloden

Although he shares a name with the Doctor's companion, Jamie Fraser's inspiration had a slightly stronger basis in fact. Diana revealed that she took inspiration from 1960s book The Prince in the Heather.

Within it, it gives an account of 19 Jacobite soldiers who hid in a farmhouse after the legendary battle. Eventually caught and executed by the Redcoats, one of them survived.

She said: "They were taken out and shot. One man, a Fraser of the Master of Lovat's regiment, escaped the slaughter." Diana eventually references this in the third book, Voyager.

3. Sam Heughan made his name starring in adverts for one of Scotland's best-loved brands

Sam's performances as Jamie Fraser have led to some blockbuster roles for the Scots actor - and also saw him in the conversation to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond.

But his early work included paying Tennent's founder Hugh Tennent in the Glasgow-based lager producer's ads, and a stint on River City as Livingston FC footballer Andrew Murray.

4. While we're on the subject of booze, Sam now owns his own whisky

The Sassenach, named after his character's pet name for his English soulmate, the popular blended Scotch is enjoyed all over the world.

5. His co-star, Caitriona Balfe, has also released her own spirit

Not to be outdone by her on-screen other half, Caitriona - who plays Claire Fraser - released an exciting Scottish gin called Forget Me Not, with profits going to supporting the Arts.

6. There is an Outlander cookbook

It turns out the series is about more than just novels, after Canadian author Theresa Carle-Sanders penned Outlander Kitchen, with recipes inspired by the show.

The book includes modern American recipes alongside traditional Scottish ones, and Carle-Sanders had to defend their inclusion after some people suggested it may give off the wrong impression of Scottish food.

But with the series being set in both Scotland and America, we feel it is justified.

7. Staying on the food front, a chocolate costume has been made in celebration of the show

Expert chocolatiers Alastair and Friederike Gower of Chocolate Tree were inspired by the series when planning their entry to the 2016 Chocolate Show in London.

The outfit took two months to complete and consists of a kilt, boots, socks, hat, feathers, broach, sporran, sword and even shirt buttons - all made from organic dark chocolate.

8. Many of the male actors were 'true Scotsmen' when wearing kilts on set

Sam Heughan revealed in a radio interview in the US that he finds going without underwear very "comfortable" when dressed in the traditional Scottish garb. He even said it was one of the joys of wearing a kilt while filming.

9. The worldwide appeal has led to a tourism boom

Scotland has seen a surge in Outlander tourists over the years, with fans jetting in from across the globe to visit historical sites and filming locations.

The Outlander Effect and Tourism paper stated that attractions that appear in Outlander saw visitor numbers soar by 67 per cent since 2013, from 887,000 to 1.5million (pre-pandemic).

10. The first of those tourists was Diana Gabaldon herself, who had never visited Scotland before she wrote the books

The author first used pictures and descriptions she found in books to build up a detailed image in her head of her setting. Of course, in the decades since her books and the show became smash hits, she has visited many times.

She has of course been to Scotland several times since the show became a hit.

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