18-22 July 2023
Fringe Programme
Alongside the academic programme for the Outlander Conference hosted by the University of Glasgow (18-22 July) there are a host of fringe events on offer.
Tuesday 18th July:
16.00-17.00: Dr Diana Gabaldon's Plenary: '"Why Scotland? Why Not Mexico?" Genes, Borders, Culture and Fiction: Why They Matter and When They Don't' (Bute Hall)
Join Dr Diana Gabaldon, the author of the bestselling Outlander series, in the magnificent surroundings of the University of Glasgow's Bute Hall. Diana will be opening the Outlander conference with a discussion of her epic time-travelling adventure, not to be missed.
This event is open to the public, as well as Outlander Conference delegates.
Tickets (for non-delegates): £15. Click here to purchase.
For those unable to join in Glasgow, the event will also be live-streamed. Click here to register.
18.30-20.00: Civic Reception (Glasgow City Chambers)
On the first night of the Outlander conference, the delegates are warmly invited for a complimentary drinks reception at the grand surroundings of the Glasgow City Chambers. A senior representative from Glasgow City Council will welcome delegates followed by a short speech from the conference chair.
Wednesday 19th July:
16.30-17.30: Scottish Kitchen with Gary MacLean (The Cloisters)
Join us in the iconic University of Glasgow cloisters with Scotland's National Chef Gary Maclean for a live cookery demonstration, celebrating Scottish cuisine as part of our international Outlander conference celebrations.
The Glasgow-born chef has been at the forefront of Scotland's hospitality industry for over 30 years and since becoming BBC's MasterChef: The Professional's champion, has travelled all over the world promoting Scottish food and culture. Hear from Gary about his exciting career and ask all your foodie questions. This exclusive interactive event will give guests the chance to learn expert tips and recipes and find out more about Scotland's national dishes.
“As a chef deeply committed to Scotland and its cuisine, I am overjoyed and privileged to participate in the Outlander conference at the University of Glasgow, sharing my experience with fellow fans of Outlander and appreciating the substantial cultural inheritance of our country.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to buy a signed copy of Gary's books, including his most recent publication 'Scottish Kitchen' with foreword by Outlander star Sam Heughan, who shares Gary's passion for Scottish culture.
'For many years now, I’ve been passionate about bringing Scotland’s heritage to the world stage through my own work, and this is also precisely what Gary does in Scottish Kitchen.' Sam Heughan, 2022.
18.00-19.30: In Conversation with Diana Gabaldon (Kelvin Gallery)
Diana Gabaldon, the author of the bestselling Outlander series returns to Glasgow this July for the world's first academic Outlander conference. She joins us after hours on the University of Glasgow campus to discuss the books that influenced her writing and the making of the Outlander novels.
Hear from Diana in person and find out how the epic tale of Claire and Jamie came to be. Enjoy an evening in the company of the award-winning author and discover the literary influences behind the time-travelling adventure.
19.30-22.00: Outlander: Night at the Museum (The Hunterian Museum)
The Hunterian is delighted to host Outlander: Night at the Museum, an evening exploring and celebrating the time-travelling adventure.
Join us in the Hunterian Museum on the University of Glasgow campus after hours for Night at the Museum to experience the elements that make up the epic tale. Featuring live music, historical re-enactments and various performances to be enjoyed by all the family, come along and experience all things Outlander!
With activity stations hosted by researchers and advisors for the series and a re-enacted battle scene in the Cloisters where Outlander scenes were filmed, this is an evening not to be missed by true fans.
Cash bar available and whisky sampling for our friends at Clydeside Distillery.
Thursday 20th July:
17.00: Clanranald Demonstration (Cloisters)
We welcome our guests to the University of Glasgow’s iconic Cloisters for an immersive experience featuring the tribal beat of a Clanranald drummer and enjoy an informal demonstration of Jacobite weaponry with Combat International who have been part of the Outlander series since its beginning.
The Clanranald Trust, a recognised charity, is an educational organisation established in 1995. The members of the trust are dedicated to promoting increased awareness of Scottish Culture and Heritage through interactive education and entertainment. Clanranald’s Combat International team are professional actors and combat re-enactment specialists who have appeared in the Outlander TV series.
Learn more about https://www.clanranald.org/wordpress/about-clanranald/
19.00-20.00: Concert (Hunter Halls)
Join us in The Hunter Halls for a concert celebrating Outlander with some of the University's finest singers and musicians. Kathryn Cooper, director of Chapel Music, will lead a vocal harmony group with a range of Scottish traditional songs and Brianna Robertson-Kirkland, music historian and singer, will perform songs from the 18th century.
They will be joined by Gillebrìde MacMillan, Gaelic singer and lecturer, who appeared as Gwyllyn the Bard in Outlander and is the Gaelic language consultant for the show, who will sing Gaelic Jacobite and Outlander related songs.
Tickets: £10.
Friday 21st July:
University Historical Tours with the SRC
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest in the English-speaking world. The campus is perched on Gilmorehill overlooking the picturesque tenements of the West End. Come and explore the history of the campus.
This walking tour will take you on a fascinating journey around some of the university’s most significant spots - from philosopher Thomas Reid’s tombstone and the atmospheric cloisters to the very same staircase Lord Kelvin would take from his house to his laboratory - whilst discovering the connections of James Watt, Adam Smith and Isabella Elder whose names are inscribed on the university’s Memorial Gates.
Tours are available: 15.30-16.30, or 16.45-17.45.
There is also a slot at 13.00-14.00 on Saturday.
20 people per tour.
19.00-22.00: Ceilidh (Bute Hall)
All delegates are warmly invited to a ceilidh with The Jiggers Ceildh Band in the university's stunning Bute Hall. A great opportunity to unwind and dance the night away (7pm-10pm) with friends old and new.
There will be a bar on site. Kilts optional!
Tickets: £20.
Saturday 22nd July:
University Historical Tours with the SRC
Available: 13.00-14.00.
20 people per tour.
The Civic Reception (Tues) and Historical Tours (Fri/Sat) are included in the price of conference registration. Organisers will be in touch re. the civic reception.
Tickets for events run by the Hunterian Museum on Wednesday 19th are being offered to delegates at a package price of £10 (for the cooking demo, book signing and Night at the Museum).
You can register for these events via Eventbrite by clicking here.