Outlander’s Sam Heughan just said that working on the hit TV show made him love his native country more and has described independence as a ‘great opportunity’.
Sam Heughan has given his backing to Scottish independence – and he reckons his time on Outlander has swayed his opinion.
The 40-year-old Scottish actor claimed that he ‘never really felt Scottish’ during his years of working in London and America.
But when Sam joined the cast and crew for the hit TV show in 2013, his love for his native country grew.
The star, who originally hails from Dumfries and Galloway, said that it his time on the show has made his mind up on the Indyref debate.
Sam described Scotland as an ‘incredible country’ with a ‘great opportunity’ by leaving the United Kingdom.
Speaking on the Cultural Woven podcast, the Outlander star also said that he would like to see an independent Scotland rejoin the European Union.
He said: “Growing up when we did, Scotland was stuck in a shortbread tin kind of world. It did feel twee.
“Certainly going to London and America…I never felt Scottish till I went to other places and people start seeing you as Scottish.
“But I tried to do what I think all actors try to do and immerse myself in another country and try to fit in.
“But then coming back to work on Outlander I just realised what an incredible country it is and how much I love it. There’s so much to explore and it’s just on our doorstep.
“I think it’s a great wee country and so interesting and not black and white. People think it’s one thing or another.
“On the whole thing about independence and stuff, it’s not about being anti-British at all. I’m very proud to be British, but I’m also extremely proud to be Scottish.
“It’s such a great wee country and has a great opportunity. I’d love to see it work and to remain in Europe.
“It’s how we’re all going to survive…this world is going to survive if we work together.”
The actor added: “My desire for independence is not anti-anything. I feel we’re a resource-rich country. It’s about having a bit of belief in ourselves again. I want a neighbour, not a ruler.”
Source: dailyrecord.co.uk