Are the cast of Outlander actually Scottish? All you need to know about the hit show's stars

Outlander has become one of Scotland’s biggest television hits - with millions tuning into the popular period drama across the globe since it first hit our screens in 2014.

The show is centred around the culture and the people of Scotland, while focusing on the mistreatment many Scots suffered under British rule in the 18th century.

Despite the show moving to North Carolina from series four, the Scottishness of the show remains central to its success.

The strong feeling of Scots identity in the show is something that resonates with viewers in here and expats elsewhere.

Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish celebrated their Scottish heritage in their Men in Kilts programme (UGC)

And it has probably left many wondering - how many of the show’s cast are actually Scottish themselves?

Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser on the show, was originally born in Balmaclellan, Dumfries and Galloway, before he moved to Edinburgh at the age of 12.

Scotland is very close to the heart of the 41-year-old, who celebrated the best of Scottish culture in his Men in Kilts show - which aired earlier this year.

Starring alongside him on the documentary series was fellow Outlander star Graham McTavish, who played Douglas MacKenzie in the early seasons of the programme.

Richard Rankin, who plays Roger Mackenzie Wakefield, is from Glasgow (Daily Record)

Graham was born in Glasgow for a brief spell before his family left Scotland when he was a child. He went on to live in places such as Canada, the US and England before eventually settling in New Zealand.

Despite losing his Scottish accent early on in his life, he has previously told the Daily Record how his nationality ‘matters more and more’ to him.

Another Scottish actor on the show is Glasgow-born Richard Rankin, who plays Roger Mackenzie Wakefield.

Lauren Lyle, who has played Marsali MacKimmie Fraser since 2017, is also from Glasgow.

Caitriona Balfe is from Ireland (PA)

But there are plenty who are not from Scotland - including leading lady Caitriona Balfe.

The 42-year-old, who plays Claire Randall, was born in Dublin, Ireland and grew up in the village of Tydavnet in County Monaghan.

Her character speaks with an English accent on the show.

Other non-Scottish actors on the show include Duncan Lacroix (Murtagh Fraser), Sophie Skelton (Brianna Randall Fraser) and Tobias Menzies (Frank Randall).

Season six of Outlander will be released early next year.