He swept to global fame for his lead role in blockbuster TV show Outlander, playing Jamie Fraser in a dramatic and windswept 18th century Scotland.

But Scots actor Sam Heughan has taken up the rather more modern hobby of DJ-ing - as he prepares to spin the decks at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which run from 23 July to 2 August. 

The actor will be entertaining crowds at the SEC Armadillo on 24 July when the medal tally is opened at the 1pm Para Powerlifting session - the first time in Commonwealth Games history that a Para sport has awarded the first medal of the Games. 

Scots DJing icon George Bowie has been helping Mr Heughan get ready for his DJ debut, and took the actor through a crash course at a Glasgow rooftop, teaching him how to get a Scottish crowd going. 

That included an attempt to remix No Scotland No Party, taking inspiration from the Scottish fans in the USA. 

Mr Heughan is one of the ‘ambassadors’ of this year’s Commonwealth Games, which will bring 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city for an 11-day celebration of sport and Scottish culture. 

Other ambassadors include athlete Eilish McColgan. The Outlander star, who earlier this year led the Tartan Day Parade in New York and praised the ‘goodwill’ of the Tartan Army at this year’s World Cup, told the Scottish Daily Mail that he is ‘so proud’ to be ambassador for the sporting showcase this year. 

He added that the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have coincidentally bookended his time in Outlander, with filming having just started on the series when it came to the city in 2014, meaning he was unable to attend its events. 

However, ‘you could feel the energy, you could feel the excitement about it. I'm just hoping that this year's going to be even bigger and better.’ 

The series - which has provided a multi-million-pound boat to Scottish tourism - broadcast its last episode earlier this year- and the actor now plans to make up for lost time. 

‘I’ve asked for as many tickets as I can get,’ he laughed, saying there are ‘so many’ sports he wants to see such as cycling, athletics, swimming, and weightlifting - as well as those he doesn’t know. 

‘I find that many times watching the Commonwealth Games, you watch a sport that you don't really know much about, and you fall in love with it.’ As for his confidence about becoming a DJ, Mr Heughan joked that he doesn’t need to give up the day job, but is a big fan of George Bowie, branding him ‘a bit of an icon in sort of the party scene in Scotland’ 

The DJ, who was recently awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting, has even played an Outlander wrap party. 

‘The whole cast and crew were dancing around, jumping up and down,’ says Mr Heughan. 

George Bowie said: ‘The Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow deserves a special kind of star power, so it was an honour to share a few tips with Scotland’s own global superstar, Sam Heughan, and help get him ready for the occasion. 

We worked on the setlist together and it’s safe to say there are a few bangers in there.

‘I know more about heartburn than being a heartthrob, so I’m sure the crowd at the SEC Armadillo will be delighted that it’s Sam behind the decks.

‘A home Games is typically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so, like every Glaswegian, I feel incredibly lucky that they’re coming back. We’re going to make the most of it and it’s going to be the biggest party in town.’

Mr Heughan, who also recently made his RSC debut playing Macbeth in Stratford, said: ‘I am excited to see the crowds at a home Games getting behind Team Scotland, just as they did in 2014.

‘This Commonwealth Games is an amazing opportunity to come and feel the warmth of Glasgow, but also Scotland, and celebrate and explore our culture.’ 

He is also keen to encourage visitors to explore Scotland, and was set to this weekend lead about more than 100 bikers across his native Galloway.

Louisa Mahon, chief marketing officer at Glasgow 2026, said: ‘Sam and George have captured exactly what Glasgow 2026 is about - great sport, great atmosphere and a city that knows how to put on a show.

‘Para Powerlifting will be one of the highlights of the Games, and awarding the first medal in Para sport is the first in Commonwealth Games history, making this moment at the SEC Armadillo even more special.’

This Commonwealth Games will feature a record-breaking Para sport programme of 47 events across six sports, with competitions at four of the city's most iconic venues.

In addition, My Peak Challenge, the global health, wellness, and philanthropy community fitness movement Mr Heughan founded, is the Official Wellness Challenge Provider of Glasgow 2026. Overall, he hopes that Games attendees will enjoy the atmosphere. ‘I'm sure we'll put on a great show - and a great party.’