World Outlander Day: Five of the best Scottish moments from epic drama

Today is World Outlander Day, a celebration of the much-loved fantasy drama and Diana Gabaldon’s books it was based on. Since it hit the screens 10 years ago, the Starz show has attracted a global following.

On June 1 every year, fans across the world share their favourite moments, quotes, and clips from the historical epic. The show has some incredibly romantic and touching scenes between Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe), as well bloody battles and some comic relief.

As fans ourselves, we have also picked out some of our favourite moments from the early seasons, when the star-crossed lovers were still in Scotland.

Jamie and Claire’s first meeting

After mysteriously travelling through the Druid stone circle at Craigh Na Dun, a bewildered Claire finds herself catapulted two centuries back in time. From her second honeymoon after reunited with her husband at the end World War 2, she is immediately thrust into a historic rebellion.

She comes across a man bearing uncanny resemblance to Frank. But this doppelganger turns out to be none other than Frank’s malevolent ancestor, ‘Black Jack’ Randall, who tries to capture her.

Luckily for her, she is rescued by young Highland warrior Jamie. He utters the now legendary words: “You’re coming with me” and the rest, as they say, is history.

The shinty showcase

Shinty is thought to have been played in Scotland, in some form or another, for hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of years. It is likely clansmen clashed on the camanachd field in the 1700s – though it was probably more violent than the current version of the sport.

During the first season, Jamie and his uncle Dougal (Graham McTavish) stole the show during a shinty match with an intense face-off. The look Claire is given when she says one of Dougal’s moves “didn’t look very fair” says it all.

Jamie speaks Gaelic to Jenny’s baby

Jamie’s softer side appears on several occasions throughout the show, revealing that he is more than just a battle-hardened warrior. One of the most tender moments is where Claire comes across her soulmate speaking in Gaelic to his sister Jenny’s baby.

The loving uncle tells the newborn that her role “is to grow strong and happy”.

The Blood Vow

In an ode to ancient Celtic wedding rituals, Jamie and Claire make a Blood Vow. The lovers have their hands tied as they speak the vow in Gaelic.

You are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.
I give you my Body, that we Two might be One.
I give ye my Spirit, ’til our Life shall be Done.

Jamie’s epic showdown with Black Jack at Culloden

Culloden is one of Scotland’s most famous battles, with the government Redcoats triumphing over the Jacobites and putting an end to the 1745 rising and the plans to put the Stuarts back on the throne.

Jamie, certain he would die in the epic battle, sent Claire back through the stones to her own time, pregnant with their daughter Brianna. One incredible scene shows the hero and his clan charging towards the government lines, leading him to a bloody encounter with Black Jack.

Jamie would survive the battle and, after two decades apart, Claire would eventually return through the stones to her soulmate and they would continue their era-crossing story together, heading across the Atlantic.

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