Forget ComicCon ... get ready for Outlander-inspired ScotCon
NEW FESTIVAL INSPIRED BY THE SUCCESS OF HIT TV SERIES OUTLANDER WILL SHOWCASE SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD, WRITES JODY HARRISON
FORGET ComicCon ... get ready for ScotCon. Rather than a celebration of comic books and superheroes, though, ScotCon will be a festival of all things Scottish – with Highlanders, history, and stars of the screen, stage and music all on show. Taking its cue from with the rise of ComicCon, the over-the-top comic-book and sci-fi convention, new event ScotCon will display Scotland’s wares to the world.
The not-for-profit festival, which takes place in September in Edinburgh, will raise money for charity and is being held to showcase everything good about Scotland to the rest of the world.
Organisers of the two-day weekend event are hoping that the appeal of previous events such as Homecoming, and the international hit Outlander TV series – starring Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe as Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall – will draw the crowds. Many of the cast featured in the Outlander series will be making an appearance at ScotsCon.
In a nod to the famous “cosplayers” on display at ComicCon – fans who dress up as their favourite fictional character – the ScotCon event will see history come to life with an appearance from “Scottish cosplayers” Clan Ranald, who will re-enact battle scenes and Scottish medieval life.
Shelley Aitken, founder and chief executive of ScotCon, said: “Our event will allow the world to unite in celebration of Scotland’s people, our history, our rich culture and values, our diversity, our innovation, and of course, our future.
“ScotCon will allow people to reconnect with their heritage, to indulge in a passion or interest in Scotland, and to educate themselves about all the wonderful things our country has to offer.”
She added: “I wanted to do something that would be a fantastic event based around the success of Outlander and the audience it has.
“Given how huge that has become and the interest it has generated in Scotland, it would be good to capitalise on that and also showcase so many of the other good things we produce.
“There are highland shows and trade shows all over the country, but this one brings everything together under one roof.”
Outlander cast members scheduled to appear include Steven Cree, Rosie Day, Andrew Gower, Duncan Lacroix, Graham McTavish, Grant O’Rourke and Stephen Walters.
The programme – which centres on the adventures of Second World War nurse Claire Randall after she is beamed back in time to 18th-century Scotland where she falls for Jacobite rebel Jamie Fraser – has become a massive hit around the globe with legions of devoted followers.
Other special attractions at ScotCon will include Scotland’s Sports Village, “Scotland Through the Years” re-enactment groups and a “Battle of the Clans” musical skirmish.
Young ones are encouraged to join in with the “Bairns Gein’ it Laldy” talent competition, hosted by BBC Scotland’s River City’s Leah MacRae and judged by Michelle McManus and Raymond Mearnsm and special guest to be announced. Those looking to trace their Scottish ancestry can try out DNA analysis, and trade shows include a Spirit of Scotland ales, wines and spirits tasting.
Sunday will be given over to music with The Rolling Drones, Jai McDowell, Skippinish, Michelle McManus and Break The Butterfly scheduled to perform.
Kali Wood, event and publicity director, said: “There has been tremendous interest from across the world and that’s come through with ticket sales.
“We’ve had interest from Germany, Canada and Italy, to name but a few places.”
ScotCon is completely run by volunteers and several Scottish charities that will each receive a percentage of the funds raised from ticket sales.
The executive team is also raising funds for the Stirling Citizens Advice Bureau and the Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, while funds will be allocated to Perth Autism Support and Help For Heroes.
ScotCon 2016 is scheduled for September 3 and 4, and will be held at the Royal Highland Centre (RHC) in Edinburgh.