Actor Sam Heughan, known globally for his role as Jamie Fraser in the television series Outlander, is set to perform as a DJ at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The Games are scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2.
Heughan is slated to entertain crowds at the SEC Armadillo on July 24, during the opening of the medal tally at the 1pm Para Powerlifting session. This marks a historical moment as it is the first time a Para sport will award the Games' inaugural medal.
Scots DJ George Bowie has been mentoring Heughan for his DJ debut, providing a crash course on a Glasgow rooftop. Their training included an attempt to remix "No Scotland No Party," drawing inspiration from Scottish fans. Heughan is serving as an ambassador for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, an event expected to gather 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories for an 11-day celebration of sport and Scottish culture. Other ambassadors include athlete Eilish McColgan.
Heughan expressed his pride in being an ambassador for the sporting event. He noted that the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow coincide with the beginning and end of his tenure on Outlander. Filming for the series commenced when the Games were last held in the city in 2014, preventing his attendance. "You could feel the energy, you could feel the excitement about it," he recalled. "I'm just hoping that this year's going to be even bigger and better."
The actor, whose role in Outlander has reportedly contributed millions to Scottish tourism, plans to immerse himself in the Games. He has requested numerous tickets and expressed interest in attending various sports, including cycling, athletics, swimming, and weightlifting, as well as discovering new sports. "I find that many times watching the Commonwealth Games, you watch a sport that you don't really know much about, and you fall in love with it," he said.
Joking about his DJing skills, Heughan indicated he would not be abandoning his acting career but acknowledged his admiration for George Bowie, whom he described as an "icon in sort of the party scene in Scotland."
Bowie, an MBE recipient for services to broadcasting, has previously DJed at an Outlander wrap party. "The whole cast and crew were dancing around, jumping up and down," Heughan said.
Bowie commented on Heughan's involvement, stating, "The Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow deserves a special kind of star power, so it was an honour to share a few tips with Scotland’s own global superstar, Sam Heughan, and help get him ready for the occasion. We worked on the setlist together and it’s safe to say there are a few bangers in there."
Heughan also mentioned his excitement for the home crowd to support Team Scotland, echoing the enthusiasm from 2014. "This Commonwealth Games is an amazing opportunity to come and feel the warmth of Glasgow, but also Scotland, and celebrate and explore our culture." He encourages visitors to explore Scotland and was scheduled to lead a motorcycle ride in Galloway.
Louisa Mahon, chief marketing officer at Glasgow 2026, highlighted the event's spirit: "Sam and George have captured exactly what Glasgow 2026 is about - great sport, great atmosphere and a city that knows how to put on a show." She emphasized the significance of Para Powerlifting opening the Games and making history.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will feature a record 47 Para sport events across six sports. Additionally, My Peak Challenge, the global health and wellness community founded by Heughan, is the Official Wellness Challenge Provider for Glasgow 2026. Tickets for Para Powerlifting and Heughan's DJ set are currently available, with prices ranging from £20 to £45.