University of Glasgow bosses have been forced to cancel a massive Outlander conference due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The event was set to take place this summer, with Diana Gabaldon - who wrote the books which inspired the Starz series - scheduled to give a keynote speech.
Organisers say they have thought about the decision carefully, but feel they have no other option as delegates were due to fly in to Scotland from across the globe to attend.
A statement from the University of Glasgow reads: "After careful consideration, the University of Glasgow has made the difficult decision to cancel the Outlander Conference Glasgow.
"The organisers of the conference hope to work to reschedule their event at a later, yet to be decided, date.
"The decision to postpone the conference follows increased concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It was felt this was the best way to proceed for everyone due to take part in the conference which would have had delegates from around the world travelling to Glasgow.
"We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event at the moment and know this disappointment will also be shared by those hoping to attend. But we feel it’s the right decision based on the information we have today relating to the global outbreak."
The four-day conference was set to focus on the history, customs, politics, culture, clothes and music featured in the show.
To complement the academic programme, the university had been working with partners to plan a programme of events to take place throughout the period, which would have been open to the general public.
Starring New Galloway actor Sam Heughan in the lead role of Jamie Fraser, Outlander is one of the most-watched TV shows across the globe.
However, as the deadly COVID-19 bug spreads through the UK - with 171 confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland as of today (Monday) - efforts are being ramped up to halt the spread here in Britain, as well as across the world.
