Outlander star Sam Heughan has expressed his profound delight at being named the inaugural celebrity ambassador for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The Scottish actor will feature in a new television advert promoting the event, which is set to return to the city next summer, 12 years after it last hosted the prestigious competition.
Heughan, known globally for his role as Highlander Jamie Fraser in the hit series Outlander, appears in the advert as a sports enthusiast pondering athletic facts.
He is joined by an impressive line-up of sporting talent, including world 1,500m silver medallist Jake Wightman, five-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Alex "Tattie" Marshall, and Olympic weightlifting champion Emily Campbell, who also serves as a Games ambassador.
For Heughan, this ambassadorial role marks a significant personal milestone, feeling like a "full circle" moment.
"I am overjoyed and extremely proud to be joining the Glasgow 2026 team,” he said.
“We have all these amazing athletes at the top of their game coming to Glasgow and competing in a completely integrated programme for their country, and I can’t wait for them to experience the pride, warmth and welcome from Glasgow – and of course the Scottish crowds, which are some of the best in the world."
Reflecting on the previous Glasgow Games, he added: "Becoming a Glasgow 2026 ambassador is a real full circle moment for me – when Glasgow last held the Games in 2014, we had just started shooting the very first series of Outlander and I remember there was a huge buzz in the city.
“I was desperate to go and even had tickets. Now, I’ve just finished shooting the last season of Outlander and the Games are back in Glasgow – and this time I won’t be missing a moment!"
Next summer, Glasgow 2026 will welcome over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, competing across 10 sports and six Para sports. Heughan is a vocal proponent of the unifying power of movement, having founded My Peak Challenge, an initiative dedicated to inspiring individuals to improve their health.
My Peak Challenge has also been announced as one of the official partners for Glasgow 2026.
The actor elaborated on the synergy between his initiative and the Games: "My Peak Challenge is a global community all about helping yourself while helping others – by getting fit, building friendships and creating healthy habits, all while raising money for charity.
“The Commonwealth Games have that same power to inspire people to move more, whether it’s rediscovering a sport you once loved or trying something new for the first time. That’s what makes this partnership between My Peak Challenge and Glasgow 2026 such a natural fit."
The popular TV show Outlander, co-starring Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, is adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed novel series. The Glasgow 2026 advert, featuring Heughan, is scheduled for release across television, cinemas, and radio (as a voiceover) from November 14.
Louisa Mahon, chief marketing officer at Glasgow 2026, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration: "Sam Heughan is Scotland’s homegrown hero and is recognised globally; he’s also genuinely passionate about fitness and sport. We’re so excited to be welcoming him to our Glasgow 2026 clan and working with My Peak Challenge as an official provider to the Games."
Mahon further highlighted Heughan’s impact: "Sam is a proud Scot and Outlander has played a huge role in putting Scotland on the map, highlighting its unique identity, landscapes and heritage. Now, Glasgow 2026 will be bringing a global audience into the city and we can’t wait to showcase the brilliant spirit with a sprinkle of stardust from Sam.
“With the countdown to the Games well and truly on, now is the time to start your obsession, learning more about the 10 incredible sports and the world-class athletes competing for their nations and territories."
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