The Scottish Mail on Sunday

Day Outlander actor Sam met some REAL Highland hardmen

- By Kirsten Johnson

HE plays the world’s most famous fictional Highlander.

Now, Outlander star Sam Heughan has tried his hand at becoming the real deal.

The 40-year-old actor, best known as Jamie Fraser in the popular TV drama, was given a masterclas­s in tossing the caber by Scotland’s top heavyweigh­t athlete, Kyle Randalls last week.

Heughan travelled to Braemar – the spiritual home of the Highland Games – with Outlander co-star Graham McTavish to film scenes for their new travel series Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip.

Dressed in a red kilt and a white singlet, Heughan was pictured straining as he lifted the caber.

He was also spotted nursing a crushed hand after a particular­ly firm handshake from the profession­al strongman.

The actors were given the chance to try out a number of heavyweigh­t events in the arena where the Braemar Gathering usually takes place each September. They were greeted by representa­tives from both the Braemar Royal Highland Society and the Scottish Highland Games Associatio­n.

The eight-part series, which will air on US TV network Starz – which also broadcasts Outlander – will see the pair travel around their home country in a campervan, exploring Scottish history and culture. Heughan first announced the idea on his Instagram account during the summer of 2019.

 ??  ?? PHEW: Outlander star takes a break during his heavyweigh­t workout
PHEW: Outlander star takes a break during his heavyweigh­t workout
 ??  ?? STRAIN: Sam Heughan struggles to lift the caber at Braemar SWING: Heavyweigh­t Kyle Randalls comes to his aid as caber topples SQUEEZE: Sam feels the grip of a Highland handshake
STRAIN: Sam Heughan struggles to lift the caber at Braemar SWING: Heavyweigh­t Kyle Randalls comes to his aid as caber topples SQUEEZE: Sam feels the grip of a Highland handshake

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