Academic conference to explore Outlander’s success
It is a global phenomenon - a tale of love across the centuries that has brought the scenery of Scotland to a new worldwide audience. Over six seasons and nine novels this phenomenal time-travelling adventure series with its roots in Scottish history has turned its cast into superstars, made its author into a heroine, created a global legion of fans and put Scotland on the map for a world readership and TV audience. The expected launch of Season 7 of the TV series this summer offers a timely opportunity to reflect on Outlander and its cultural impact through literature and television. The University of Glasgow will host a major conference to explore the history, politics, culture, languages, clothes and music featured in the series. The International Outlander Conference will take place from 18-22 July and promises to be a landmark event. Author Dr Diana Gabaldon, who will be a keynote speaker at the Glasgow conference, said: "I'm honoured (and very excited) that this conference is taking place under the sponsorship of the University of Glasgow. A tremendous amount of work and organisation has gone into it, and I'm so looking forward to being a part of it!" Gabaldon's blockbuster historical fantasy series about Claire Randall (played by Caitriona Balfe on TV), an Englishwoman from the 1940s who travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland and falls for outlaw Jamie Fraser (played by Glasgow honorary graduate Sam Heughan), has sold 50 million copies around the world.
