New character Murdina Bug in Outlander

Is Murdina Bug a new character in Outlander Blood of my Blood ?

No , she has already appeared in the original Outlander series

Murdina Bug: Her Story in Outlander and Blood of My Blood

Murdina Bug is an established Outlander character from the original series , who now appears as a younger woman in the prequel, Blood of My Blood. Fans of the original series know her as the villainous Mrs Bug, the housekeeper at Fraser’s Ridge, played by Sarah Collier. Sorcha Groundsell portrays her younger incarnation in the prequel. Although the actress changes, this is the same woman at a much earlier stage of her life.

Spoilers follow for Outlander season seven.

Murdina’s life at Fraser’s Ridge

Introduced in Outlander season five, Murdina becomes part of Jamie and Claire Fraser’s household in North Carolina. She assists with domestic duties and childcare, helping maintain everyday life within their growing community. Her husband, Arch Bug, also works for Jamie.

Initially, Murdina appears to be a practical, familiar presence rather than someone who will dramatically alter the story. However, her involvement with stolen Jacobite gold reveals that the Bugs have interests and loyalties beyond their service to the Frasers.

Outlander Blood of my Blood tours

The gold had been intended to support the Jacobite cause. Arch discovers a surviving portion hidden at Jocasta Cameron’s estate, River Run, and gradually steals it during visits. The couple conceal their treasure at Fraser’s Ridge.

Their secret emerges after the fire that destroys the Big House. Jamie confronts Arch and dismisses the couple, ending a relationship that had appeared dependable. Their resentment exposes the distance between the Frasers’ expectations of loyalty and the Bugs’ belief that they deserve the money.

Her death and its consequences

In season seven, episode three, Murdina returns after dark to recover the hidden gold. Wearing Arch’s coat, she is mistaken for her husband by Jamie and Young Ian.

When she fires at Jamie, Ian shoots an arrow that fatally wounds her. He realises too late whom he has struck.

Murdina’s death leaves Ian devastated and turns Arch’s grief into a determination to seek revenge. Rather than accepting Ian’s offer of his own life, Arch wants him to experience the anguish of losing someone he loves. Murdina’s influence therefore continues in the story after her death.

Her younger life in Blood of My Blood

The prequel provides an earlier glimpse of the Bugs’ marriage. In season one, episode six, Arch reveals that his wife gave birth to a stillborn son and nearly died during childbirth.

This history adds sadness and vulnerability to a couple later associated with deception and stolen wealth.

Promotional images for season two, episode four, confirm younger Murdina’s appearance alongside Arch during the period of the 1715 Jacobite uprising. Her complete storyline cannot be established from those images alone. As of episode three in the prequel Murdina has not yet appeared .

Together, the series present Murdina as a supporting character whose marriage, bereavement and destructive choices have lasting consequences for the Fraser family.

Murdina Bug film locations

There are reports that Fraser’s Ridge exterior scenes were filmed in the wooded area around Doune, with interiors also using production sets at Wardpark studios in Cumbernauld , although I have heard that Fraser’s Ridge was filmed at an estate near Callander . However, the general location guide does not identify the precise filming spot for every Murdina scene.

River Run is connected to her gold storyline, but that connection alone does not confirm an on-screen appearance there. I also cannot substantiate appearances by Murdina at principal locations Midhope Castle, Doune Castle itself, Blackness Castle or Culross.