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Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander boss reveals snubbing star in 'crazy' but key casting move
The actor narrowly missed out on a role in Outlander One of the stars from the Outlander prequel series, Blood of My Blood, tmissed out on an earlier part in the flagship show for a rather extraordinary reason. Jamie Roy, who auditioned for the minor role of Militia Man Number Two in the seventh season of Outlander, didn't secure the role, unaware that the creators had very different plans for his future within the franchise. Roy said that he was initially "gutted" at not landing the position as he saw it as a potential "big break", given how significant an appearance in Outlander is for one's acting career. However, fate had other ideas, and instead of being cast as a fleeting soldier character, Roy found himself in the role of a primary character in the prequel, Outlander: Blood of My Blood. He graced the screen as the young Brian Fraser, father to Sam Heughan's celebrated Highland hero Jamie Fraser in Outlander, setting him up for a swift ascent in showbiz fame, thanks to Outlander's remarkable success and Jamie Fraser's zealous fanbase, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Maril Davis, a producer who's been instrumental in the Outlander saga since its inception in 2014, reminisced about Roy's original Outlander audition in a recent chat, stating: "We were like, 'God, that guy looks a lot like Sam Heughan. That's so crazy. Oh, do we save him [for the prequel]?". However, she admitted to a moment of doubt, querying herself with "But why are we saving him for something that we don't even know is going to go?'" Speaking further to Vanity Fair, Davis expressed relief over the prequel's fruition stating: "I would've felt bad if the prequel hadn't come. But we did decide to save him." Scottish actor Roy, originally from Greenock, has previously featured in Burning Lies, Condor's Nest and Meeting Me, Meeting You. However, his role in Blood of My Blood is set to be his most significant yet. Outlander has already portrayed Brian's tragic demise with Shetland star Andrew Whipp embodying the older version of the character. Blood of My Blood will now present a younger Brian and delve into his turbulent yet passionate love affair with rival clan member Ellen MacKenzie, played by Harriet Slater. While Blood of My Blood isn't based on any literary works like Outlander, which draws inspiration from Diana Gabaldon's series of novels, snippets of Ellen and Brian's romance have been alluded to in the original series. Viewers will witness how Jamie's parents fell head over heels for each other and maintained their relationship despite familial opposition. The series will also illuminate the romantic history of Claire Fraser's (Caitríona Balfe) parents during WWI, showcasing the long-distance love story between Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield). Audiences are in for a treat with two distinct love stories set in different time periods, both promising to be equally enthralling and dramatic. Producer Davis confessed that it was a challenge to depict the two romances on screen and allocate equal screen time to each, but she expressed confidence that the production team had managed to do justice to both narratives.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Japanese ambassador to UK shares one word reaction to iconic Scottish delicacy
Since taking on the role in December, Hiroshi Suzuki has become a social media hit by diving into British culture The Japanese ambassador to the UK has delighted Scots with his one-word verdict on haggis. Hiroshi Suzuki is fast becoming a social media favourite thanks to his upbeat personality and charming travel updates. Suzuki tucked into the iconic Scottish dish during a trip to Edinburgh on Wednesday, May 29. And although the traditional delicacy has its critics, the Japanese ambassador described it as 'fantastic'. He shared the moment with followers on X, formerly Twitter, as he raised a glass of whisky, took a bite of haggis, and declared: 'I'm enjoying haggis… Fantastic,' before giving a cheerful thumbs-up to the camera The video has since racked up nearly 400,000 views and sparked a flurry of comments, Scottish Daily Express reports. One person admitted: 'Ambassador, I love you but I still don't have the cojones to try haggis.' Another wrote: 'Your posts always cheer me up! Enjoy the haggis, it's delicious.' Haggis is a savoury pudding traditionally made with sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices. It is Scotland's national dish and typically eaten on Burns Night, where the Bard's poem Address Tae A Haggis is read. It has long divided opinion even among Scots, with some embracing its rich flavour and others put off by its ingredients. But it is a staple at Burns Night and on St Andrew's Day, as well as in chippies and restaurants across the country. Suzuki also posted a video drinking iconic Scottish drink, Irn Bru, calling it "great" Ambassador Suzuki's Scottish culinary adventure didn't stop there. In another post, he is seen smiling as he eats Tunnock's Teacakes for breakfast on Thursday, May 30, joined as always by his travel companion Paddington Bear. The plush toy has become a regular fixture in Suzuki's updates since he began his UK posting six months ago and appears in most of his videos and photos. While in Edinburgh, the ambassador also visited the historic Edinburgh Castle and met with a number of Scottish political figures, including Holyrood's Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone. He also took part in a cross-party group meeting on Japan at the Scottish Parliament. He described the talks as 'fruitful discussions on a wide range of topics' and said he was particularly pleased to visit Adam Smith House, the former home of the Scottish economist, now a research institute. 'I was delighted to visit the house of Adam Smith in Edinburgh,' he said. Suzuki is also set to meet with First Minister John Swinney during his visit to Scotland. Sharing his excitement ahead of the ambassador's arrival, Swinney posted on X last week: 'Looking forward to welcoming you @AmbJapanUK to Bute House and to our wonderful country next week.' Since taking up his post, Suzuki has thrown himself into life in the UK. He's been seen enjoying Welshcakes, giving the Welsh national anthem a go, and visiting traditional pubs for a pint. In a video posted in March, marking his first six months in the role, he summed up his impressions of the UK with a single word: 'GREAT.'
Daily Record
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Two stunning Scottish places Ewan McGregor says he is desperate to visit
McGregor returns to TV with Charley Boorman in Long Way Home, now streaming on Apple+. Ewan McGregor has journeyed across galaxies as Obi Wan Kenobi in Star Wars, but when it comes to his own homeland, there is still plenty he's desperate to discover. The Perthshire-born actor has returned to the small screen with long-time friend and travel companion Charley Boorman for Long Way Home, their latest motorbike adventure, now streaming on Apple+. This time, the pair ride from McGregor's Scottish base to Boorman's home in England, following a sprawling circular route through 15 countries across Europe, Scottish Daily Express reports. Their two-month journey kicks off with a crossing over the North Sea into Scandinavia, stretching up to the Arctic Circle, winding down through the Baltics and across continental Europe before finishing with a Channel crossing back to the UK. For the trip, McGregor rides a 1974 Moto Guzzi 850 El Dorado, once used by California police, while Boorman brings a 1972 BMW R75/5 back to life, an old bike previously written off as a 'rust heap'. It's the latest chapter in a globetrotting series that includes Long Way Round, Long Way Down and Long Way Up, but McGregor admits that no matter how far he travels, Scotland still calls to him. 'I will never feel like I have seen enough of Scotland. I love being there so much. There's whole swathes of it I've never been to,' the Trainspotting star told the BBC. 'I have done some islands but not by any means all of them, Orkney and Shetland, I've never been to. There are loads of places I still want to explore.' Despite years spent living in London and Los Angeles, McGregor returned to his roots in 2023, purchasing Glencarse House near Perth for £2.35 million. In the series, he receives a heartfelt send-off from the Morrison's Academy Pipe Band, where he once played the side drum as a schoolboy. Speaking about the show, Boorman, 58, revealed that McGregor often got emotional during their travels through Scotland. 'He would get misty eyed about Scotland,' he said. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For McGregor, the experience was nothing short of transformative. 'I watched the first two episodes and I was thinking I'd like to go and do it again. It was a wonderful experience,' he said. 'In all the other trips we have had huge distances of riding for days and days, where the landscape never changed. But this, we had different countries coming at us every couple of days, we met people and saw specifically regional sports. 'In Holland we watched a pole vault-y thing over the canals, then we saw snowmobiles over water. It was nice and the whole idea of going to our house in Scotland to Charley's house in England was a funny idea, but it made sense.'
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish service station on M74 crowned the best in country
Scotland's best motorway service station is Cairn Lodge on the M74 near Douglas, praised for its cleanliness, layout, and local farm shop As millions of motorists prepare for a busy bank holiday getaway, a new ranking has revealed where drivers are best off stopping for a bite or a breather, and the results might surprise you. Consumer group Which? has released its first motorway service station league table in four years, naming the best and worst stops across the UK. Based on feedback from more than 4,000 members covering nearly 9,000 individual visits, stations were rated on everything from food prices to cleanliness and accessibility. Scotland's top performer was Cairn Lodge on the M74 near Douglas in South Lanarkshire, which came fourth overall in the UK with an impressive score of 72 percent, Scottish Daily Express reports. Owned by the Westmorland Family, the same independent company behind the widely loved Tebay and Gloucester services, Cairn Lodge drew praise for its spotless facilities, convenient layout and a farm shop packed with local produce. Though it lost some marks on price and outside space, the station scored four out of five in five key areas: shops, food and drink, facilities, cleanliness, and convenience and accessibility. Visitors described it as 'spotless' and 'exceptional,' echoing the kind of loyalty that has made Tebay a motorway icon. Cairn Lodge's high placement helped secure the M74 and A74(M) corridor as the best stretch for service stations in Scotland. Just 35 miles south, Annandale Water on the A74(M) in Dumfries and Galloway ranked second in Scotland and eighth in the UK with a 56 percent score. Operated by Roadchef, this stop is popular for its scenic location by a loch. In third place north of the border was Gretna services, also on the A74(M), with a respectable 53 percent score. Operated by Welcome Break, it tied for 13th place overall in the UK. At the other end of the table, Kinross services on the M90 in Perth and Kinross ranked bottom in Scotland, scoring just 36 per cent. Moto-operated Stirling and Hamilton stops also fared poorly, with 40 and 38 percent respectively. Across the UK, Gloucester Services on the M5, another Westmorland-run stop, claimed the top spot with an impressive 85 percent. Tebay on the M6 in Cumbria came second, while Rugby's Moto Services on the M6 in Warwickshire rounded out the top three. Bridgwater Services on the M5, run by Moto, landed at the bottom of the UK-wide rankings with a dismal 23 percent. Which? Travel Editor Rory Boland said: 'The best service stations are a convenient pit stop with decent food and facilities, however our survey shows those are few and far between and that many services are not up to scratch. 'Poor facilities and extortionate prices for food and drink were widespread complaints, but most shocking of all was how drivers told us just how many services were unclean. To avoid disappointment, people should plan their route to avoid the worst service stations and look for alternative places to stop.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Moto chief executive Ken McMeikan responded by pointing to improvements made since the survey. 'During the past two years, we have invested over £50 million in refurbishing our service stations and building a new motorway service area on the A1M at Sawtry,' he said. 'This substantial investment demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the experience for all our customers. 'We value customer feedback and are resolutely committed to addressing any concerns. The most recent independent Transport Focus study, conducted in the summer of 2023, surveyed a significantly larger group than the Which? panel. Moto achieved an average customer satisfaction score of 94 per cent across our Motorway Service Areas.' He added: 'Our commitment to continuous improvement is evident in our extensive refurbishment programme, particularly targeting older Motorway Service Areas. We've also invested heavily to refurbish 75 percent of our toilet blocks in the last five years.'
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Outlander season 8 teased by producers as they give Faith Fraser update
Outlander's producers have shared details about Faith Fraser The producers of Outlander are teasing the highly anticipated season eight, the final installment of the beloved Starz series. In a recent chat, showrunner Matthew B. Roberts and executive producer Maril Davis dived into the aftermath of season seven's jaw-dropping twist concerning Faith Fraser, which will continue to unravel in the last season, reports the Scottish Daily Express. Roberts hinted that there's more to the story of Claire Fraser's (played by Caitríona Balfe) heartbreaking loss and her subsequent healing at the hands of Master Raymond (Dominique Pinon) than initially meets the eye. He revealed that there was "something mysteriously magical and mystical about that moment that you don't understand", insinuating that season eight will delve deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Faith. Roberts further piqued fans' curiosity with his enigmatic remark to TV Insider: "I think a lot of these things that happen in Outlander are constructed by destiny..." "So if there's magic in Faith and there's magic in that story, then we'll see what happens." His words imply that the final season might feature a greater emphasis on magic and mysticism. Meanwhile, Davis touched upon the symbolic significance of the colour blue, representing healing, and advised fans to re-watch previous episodes, particularly the season two episode Faith, which might contain subtle clues foreshadowing events in the eighth season. Interestingly, season seven also incorporated the colour blue, as seen in Claire's shawl when she gets out of bed and opens a window, echoing the imagery of a blue heron in flight from the season two episode Faith. The creators have previously indicated that they intend to steer the show in a direction distinct from the original material. Author Diana Gabaldon has also hinted at a potential alternate timeline where Master Raymond transports a deceased Faith to a different era, reviving her so she lives on without her parents. This year marks the ninth anniversary of Outlander's heart-wrenching baby loss storyline from season two. The narrative, lifted directly from Gabaldon's Dragonfly in Amber, depicted Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire being profoundly altered by the death of their firstborn, Faith. Fans have been fervently theorising about the plot, speculating whether Fanny Pocock's (Florrie May Wilkinson) mother Faith could be the child of Jamie and Claire. Furthermore, some fans are suggesting that the forthcoming prequel series, Outlander: Blood of My Blood, might tie into the Faith storyline, with conjecture that Claire's mother Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) could be somehow linked. Starz has yet to announce when the eighth season of Outlander will premiere, but with production having concluded, it seems the main filming is complete and it may now just be a matter of editing. The second part of season seven aired earlier this year, and Blood of My Blood is set to release in August. Consequently, it's likely that the final instalment will hit screens either towards the end of 2025 or in 2026.
