Sam Heughan donates The Sassenach whisky as part of The Great Tapestry of Scotland exhibit

The Great Tapestry of Scotland is an exhibit that opened on 26 August, which invites visitors to discover 420 million years of Scotland’s history, heritage, innovations and culture.

One of the world’s largest community arts projects, the Great Tapestry of Scotland was hand-stitched by a team of 1,000 people led by Dorie Wilkie.

The tapestry is now located in a new purpose built gallery, which has a visitor centre, cafe and workshop space, situated in Galashiels.

Within this space is a new exhibition titled Iconic Scotland, which showcases stories of the people in Scotland through the reflections and photographs of over 40 inspiring Scottish individuals, famous faces and pioneers.

Iconic Scotland will be the first in a series of visiting exhibits to be housed alongside The Great Tapestry of Scotland.

Heughan is one of many famous Scottish names to be included in the exhibit, which also has stories from brewing science pioneer and human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer, actress Joanna Lumley, Shetland author Ann Cleeves, athlete Liz McColgan, rugby hero Doddie Weir, WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, charity Tiny Changes (with words from the late Frightened Rabbit singer Scott Hutchison), NHS Borders Clinical Director Dr Jonathan Aldridge and sports broadcaster Jill Douglas.

The Sassenach whisky and Clanlands

The blended whisky, which has picked up a host of awards including two double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Championship, has been a sell out success both here in the UK and America.

The Sassenach was first launched in America last summer and went on sale in the UK in December 2020.

The whisky is a nod to the nickname Sam’s character Jamie has given his on-screen love interest Claire on the show and realises a dream the Scots actor has had for a long time.

In late 2020 Sam Heughan joined us on our podcast Scran to chat about his whisky, as well as why he chose a blend over a single malt, how it was almost made in America and his re-discovered love of Scotland through filming Outlander.

The actor also hinted at what other drinks may be released, saying: “In the future, I think we’re going to start looking at other innovative spirits, whether it’s whisky or something else.

“But I think a single grain (whisky) is definitely a route we want to look at as well, because they’re so good – and probably the majority of what I’m drinking right now.”

Clanlands, originally conceived as a podcast that grew into TV show Men in Kilts, charts an epic road trip through Scotland with Outlander stars Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish.

Released in late 2020, Clanlands sees the duo travel by various means such as campervan, boat, kayak, motorbike and tandem, from Glencoe to Inverness and the Culloden battlefield.

During the trip they explore sites such as Loch Ness, Cawdor Castle, the prehistoric Clava Cairns burial site, as well partaking activities including in playing shinty, making tartan, and, of course, tasting whisky.

Earlier this year the duo announced a new Clanlands Almanac book, to be released in late 2021.

The new Clanlands Almanac book sees Sam and Graham turn tour guides once again, but this time charting traditions, legends and events that fall throughout the year in Scotland.