Sam Heughan

Sam Heughan

Sam Heughan (Sam Roland Heughan) was born on April 30th, 1980 and is currently 45 years old. Sam Heughan was born in Balmaclellan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Heughan attended Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.

Sam Heughan is a Scottish actor, producer, businessman, and author. He is famously known for his award-winning role as Jamie Fraser in the film Outlander. For his role in the series, Heughan won a Saturn Award and a People’s Choice Award and received a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Television Award. Heughan has also featured in films like Bloodshot and The Spy Who Dumped Me. Additionally, he was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for his performance in Outlying Islands.

There’s something undeniably irresistible about men in kilts—especially when they’re Graham McTavish and Sam Heughan. Their book Clanlands is an entertaining read that takes us on a road trip across Scotland. Fans of the Outlander TV series will instantly recognize them as Jamie Fraser (Sam) and his uncle Dougal (Graham).

The book is a mix of Scottish history, covering the country’s past, culture, clans, kilts, tartans, whisky, and plenty of comedy. Narrated by McTavish and Heughan themselves, the book follows their journey through Scotland as they explore their homeland and their identities.

In September 2019, the two friends set off in an old Fiat campervan to explore the Scottish Highlands. The trip, though unplanned, followed a structured route, starting with, of course, whisky tasting. Whisky remains a key theme throughout their travels.

As proud Scots, McTavish and Heughan take their country’s history seriously but also share a lot of behind-the-scenes moments from Outlander at every stop, whether in a hotel, castle, or during one of their many misadventures. Several Outlander cast and crew members make surprise appearances, such as Wendy Forbes (Heughan’s makeup artist), Duncan LaCroix (Murtagh Fitzgibbons), and many others. Fans of the Outlander show will love the authors’ retelling of these behind-the-scenes moments.

Clanlands also serves as a memoir. Heughan is portrayed as the adventurous, fun-loving one, while McTavish takes on the role of the older, wiser philosopher. McTavish contributes insights from his years of experience in the theater industry. He humorously comments on Heughan’s frequent product endorsements and on-screen nudity, while Heughan playfully mocks McTavish’s baldness, love for lattes, and affectionately refers to him as “The Grey Dog.”

There is plenty of humor as the two authors recount the same story from their unique perspectives. An interesting part of the book is Heughan’s artistic family background; his uncle designed the wicker cross featured in Outlander Season 5.

Heughan and McTavish visit Culloden in the last chapters, the site where the British crushed the Jacobite rebellion in 1746.

Just like fine whisky, Clanlands is a smooth, rich book full of character. Heughan and McTavish make ideal tour guides, and their adventures leave the readers eager for more. It’s a highly recommended read for fans of Outlander or anyone who wants to explore the Scottish Highlands.

Sam Heughan: Awards & Accolades

Heughan's book, Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other was nominated for the Goodreads Awards, Best Nonfiction, in 2020.

Sam Heughan: Lists & Other Mentions

• Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other was a New York Times: #1 Nonfiction Best Seller in 2020.

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Sam Heughan: F.A.Q