Tour search

half day tours

Sam Heughan on the rocks in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Book Festival: A Spirited Success

  • On August 23, 2025, Sam Heughan took to the Spiegeltent stage for an event titled “On the Rocks”, tied to the launch of his new book, The Cocktail Diaries. It sold out almost instantly and quickly became one of the festival’s most sought-after tickets
  • Fans were nothing short of enthusiastic. Reports describe an atmosphere brimming with anticipation—many queued for well over an hour, and there are accounts of dedicated admirers flying in from countries like Belgium and the U.S. just to get a last‑minute ticket. One attendee even managed to snag entry despite standing sixth in line at the box office
  • Onstage, Heughan offered more than just commentary—he led a cocktail-making masterclass, delighting the crowd with a live demonstration and samples inspired by his book’s recipes
  • The evening concluded on a distinctly Scottish note: a piper played as the audience exited—adding a fittingly dramatic flourish to a sold‑out, high‑spirited affair . NEW – Outlander Blood of my Blood tour . Our toll free booking  number is 1-866-233-2644  ( US and Canada ). We guarantee the lowest online pricessave 30% on other OTAs

Sassenach Spirits: Promotions and Takeaway

  • At the event, Heughan spoke passionately about Sassenach Spirits, particularly the Wild Highland Gin, and hinted at future lines—including tequila—showing his brand diversification beyond whisky
  • His lively presentation—mixed with storytelling and hands-on cocktail tips—created a genuine connection between the audience, the book, and the spirits brand. Seeing him personally engage in cocktail crafting, paired with the intimate nature of the festival setting, likely gave his brands excellent exposure and positive reception.
  • NEW – Outlander Blood of my Blood tour . Our toll free booking  number is 1-866-233-2644  ( US and Canada ). We guarantee the lowest online pricessave 30% on other OTAs

What is Sam’s Role , if any in prequel Blood of My Blood?

Sam Heughan will not appear onscreen in Outlander: Blood of My Blood. The prequel focuses entirely on the love stories of Jamie’s and Claire’s parents—decades or generations before his character Jamie Fraser even exists 

  • However, Heughan has offered moral support to the new cast—especially Jamie Roy, who plays Brian Fraser. He encouraged the actors to “enjoy every single moment” and remain supportive throughout the process
  • Importantly, Heughan left the door slightly ajar about future possibilities—“never say never,” he told The New York Post, acknowledging that while his character Jamie doesn’t literally appear in the timeline, regarding future appearances, one can’t fully rule anything out. Maybe he will make another appearance as a ghost , as he memorably did in Inverness when Claire and Frank visited there on honeymoon in 1946

Summary

Sam Heughan’s August appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival was a resounding win—an electrifying, sell-out affair that combined Cocktail Diaries promotion with immersive, fan-centric theatre. The “On the Rocks” session drew a passionate crowd, with fans queuing for hours or traveling internationally just for a chance to attend. The highlight? Heughan didn’t just talk about his book or brand—he staged a live cocktail-making masterclass featuring recipes from The Cocktail Diaries, deepening audience engagement. The event wrapped with a stirring moment as a piper played, ensuring the entire evening had both intimacy and spectacle.

On the promotional front, Heughan successfully showcased Sassenach Spirits, spotlighting the Wild Highland Gin and teasing expansion into tequila. The blending of book, spirit, and personal charisma made for organic, effective promotion—far beyond basic marketing.

NEW – Outlander Blood of my Blood tour . Our toll free booking  number is  1-866-233-2644  ( US and Canada ). We guarantee the lowest online prices  –  save 30%  on other OTAs

Turning to the Outlander prequel, Blood of My Blood, Heughan is not part of the on-screen narrative, as it centers on past generations. That said, he’s been a supportive figure for the cast, notably offering heartfelt advice like encouraging Jamie Roy to savour the journey. And though he insisted that Jamie Fraser doesn’t appear—and wouldn’t logically fit into the timeframe—the phrase “never say never” hints he’s open to creative surprises.

In conclusion : the Edinburgh event was a roaring triumph—fans were ecstatic, brand promotion was seamless, and Heughan’s charm was on full display. As for the prequel, no, he’s not in it—yet his supportive off-screen role and open attitude keep fan hopes flickering.

NEW – Outlander Blood of my Blood tour . Our toll free booking  number is  1-866-233-2644  ( US and Canada ). We guarantee the lowest online prices  –  save 30%  on other OTAs

Take a look at our five star reviews

Sam Heughan has appeared in a number of movies

How many films has Sam Heughan appeared in ?

Sam Heughan has starred as Jamie Fraser in Outlander for seven seasons now . But in between Outlander filming , Sam has managed to appear in no less than 11 films . The question is , can you name all of them ? Sam Heughan movies

Loch Lubnaig Highland tours

Contact Us

To make a booking by Whatsapp choose the tour you want and choose your preferred date , then send these details to Private tours Edinburgh on Whatsapp +447305294773 , or fill in this contact form

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Private Tour search

Private tours from Edinburgh last minute bookings

Book now and  Save 30% on tour bookings – Phone / WhatsApp Private tours from Edinburgh on +447305294773, no booking fees.

We also offer private transfers to other parts of Scotland for customers continuing their vacation in Inverness , the Highlands , St Andrews, Glasgow   and other parts of the country. Contact us now on Whatsapp +447576127097 for enquiries and bookings

Check out our Tours of Scotland blog for all the latest news about private tours from Edinburgh. Balvaird Castle is Castle Leathers in Outlander Blood of my Blood .

Contact Private Tours online

Become a Partner

 

Private Tours Edinburgh

Private tours Edinburgh have been providing five star tours of Scotland for 10 years , owned by driver / guide and travel photographer David Rankin

Recent Posts

Outlander tours of Scotland photos

Fans of Outlander are drawn to Scotland not only for its breathtaking scenery but for…

21 hours ago

The Helix Park: Scotland’s Living Eco Park Tour

The Helix : A Living Eco Park Tour the Kelpies, the Helix, eco tours of…

6 days ago

The Kelpies aerial videos

Kelpies aerial videos Kelpies reflections Two Kelpies tours - half day and full day tours…

1 week ago

Four castles tour bookings

Four castles tour online booking Please enable javascript in your browser to book Private Castle…

2 weeks ago

Best Half-Day Castle Tours from Edinburgh

🇺🇸 Best Half-Day Castle Tours from Edinburgh Scotland offers something that’s genuinely unique for foreign…

2 weeks ago

Outlander and Game of Thrones crossovers

Outlander and Game of Thrones insights : crossovers between to blockbuster TV shows Both Outlander…

2 weeks ago