Fife and Perthshire could be set for an unexpected economic boost after it emerged that the new series of global TV hit Outlander will start shooting later this year.
Fans of the Starz series, which is shown on Amazon Prime in the UK, had expected filming on season three to begin in 2017 after producer Matt Roberts made the suggestion in an interview earlier this year.
However, The Courier understands that crews will start shooting on location in Scotland between August 21 and September 22 this year – well ahead of schedule.
Fife in particular has benefited from Outlander filming in the past, with many tourists keen to visit some of the locations featured in the show.
Dysart Harbour, Culross, Falkland and Aberdour Castle have all been used as venues in the last 12 months or so, while Doune Castle and Kinloch Rannoch have also provided suitable backdrops for the show.
It is not yet known exactly where the cameras will be rolling this year, but tourism chiefs will be hoping Scotland can take advantage of the Outlander effect once again.
The TV drama series, which is based on the historical time travel Outlander series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, has gained something of a cult following, gaining several awards and awards nominations since debuting in 2014.
Scots actor Sam Heughan confirmed news of an earlier-than-scheduled start to filming during a question and answer session on his Twitter page on Friday morning.
