Super 8's Caitriona Balfe dons period clothing to film new sci-fi fantasy series Outlander in Scotland

PUBLISHED: 13:49 EST, 14 November 2013 | UPDATED: 05:11 EST, 15 November 2013

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Scotland has seen its fair share of Hollywood stars over the last year, with Scarlett Johansson playing a bloodsucking alien stalking the streets of Glasgow, as well as in Edinburgh, where James McAvoy brought Irving Welsh's bigoted junkie cop Bruce Robertson to life in Filth.

Now Cumbernauld, near Glasgow, has opened its doors to the production of new sci-fi fantasy series. Outlander, based on the first of Diana Gabaldon's romance novels.

Taking on the role of the lead heroine is Caitriona Balfe, the Irish actress set to make a name for herself in the new 16-part series commissioned by American network, Starz.

Outlander: Irish actress Caitriona Balfe begins filming for the new sci-fi fantasy series in Scotland

Fantasy: While the Thursday shoot took place at Pollock Park in Glasgow, a production facility has been set up in Cumbernauld, next door to the Scottish city

The set is located on former Isola factory in Cumbernauld, but Caitriona, 34 - seen in full 18th century character - and the cast were filming in Pollock Park, Glasgow on Thursday.

Her character Claire is a World War II nurse who travels back through time to 18th century Scotland, when she comes across some pagan stones while on holiday with her history professor husband Frank.

Waking up near a battlefield, the 20th century woman is taken in by the Clan McKenzie who believe she is an English spy because of her unusual dress and incoherent story for being in their land right when their is struggle of power between the Scots and the red coats.

Time traveller: The story follows Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who travels back to 18th century and is forced to marry a Scottish warrior

Slight catch: In her present day, Claire is married to history professor Frank, which means she's caught between two love stories

Adaption: The story is based on the first book in American author Diana Gabaldon¿s Outlander series

They call her Outlander, a name given to an outsider ignorant of Scottish Highland culture and one of the generally hated English as well.

This will be the first lead role for Balfe, who has so far had small parts in Steven Spielberg's Super 8, and this year's Escape Plan with Sylvester Stallon and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and, Now You See Me, with Isla Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg and Mark Ruffalo.

Sam Heughan plays Jamie Fraser, the Scottish warrior Claire is forced to marry, while Tobias Menzies, Laura Donnelly and James Fleet will be in the supporting cast.

Big break: Caitriona has previously appeared in Super 8, Now You See Me, and Escape Plan

Good for Scotland: The production will hopefully help the country secure its position as a destination for filmmakers

Game of who? The Stars series should be a rival to HBO's fantasy show based on George R. R. Martin's books

With the arrival of Outlander, Scotland is hoping to establish themselves as a destination for more TV and film productions.

The location is owned by businessman Terry Thomson, who has reportedly agreed with the filmmakers to leave expensive facilities behind at the end of the shoot, so other productions can use it afterwards.

According to The Scotsman, 'around £640,000 is currently on offer from the Scottish Government and Creative Scotland to help with the making of Outlander and ensure as many facilities as possible are retained at the new Cumbernauld complex.'

Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister, said in July the Outlander production would be supported through public funding to ensure a 'lasting studio legacy that would enable further large-scale productions to be filmed in Scotland'.

Modern treats: Balfe wraps up in a winter coat and sips on a coffee in between scenes

Outlander TV show ¿will secure Scots film future¿

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jannieg, Mississauga, 3 hours ago

I have been waiting for this to be a series "FOREVER" cant wait!

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techiejoyce, glasgow, United Kingdom, 3 hours ago

"Pollok" Does not have a "C", neither does Pollokshields nor Pollokshaws

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Rachel Matthews, Austin, United States, 3 hours ago

The books are great fun with lots of food references. Too bad there's no "Outlandish Dishes" cookbook! This should be an entertaining series... eagerly awaiting the next book as well! Mmmmm...

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iolaira, Portland, United States, 2 hours ago

look for OUTLANDER KITCHEN on facebook. I think she has a website too. She is always trying to recreated dishes from the books.

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techiejoyce, glasgow, United Kingdom, 3 hours ago

"Pollok" Does not have a "C", neither does Pollokshields nor Pollokshaws

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techiejoyce, glasgow, United Kingdom, 3 hours ago

"Pollok" Does not have a "C", neither does Pollokshields nor Pollokshaws

Click to rate

techiejoyce, glasgow, United Kingdom, 3 hours ago

"Pollok" Does not have a "C", neither does Pollokshields nor Pollokshaws.

Click to rate

Rachel Matthews, Austin, United States, 3 hours ago

The books are great fun, and lots of food references. Too bad there's no "Outlandish Dishes" cookbook (or some such)! Can't wait to see the series... mmmmmm!

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iolaira, Portland, United States, 2 hours ago

Look for OUTLANDER KITCHEN on Facebook. I think she has a website too. She recreates dishes from the books.

Click to rate

Ruralgamer, The Sticks, 4 hours ago

Just did a image search for Sam Heughan to see if he looked like a good Jamie and...OH MY...ladies, we are in for a treat!!

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Racy, Huntsville, United States, 5 hours ago

I have loved these books for a long time. Since the story is about Scotland in this book, I get to see some beautiful shots of this country where two sides of my family originated in 1792 (Hamiltons and Stuarts or Stewarts). I am looking forward to Outlanders and can hardly wait for them to come to TV her in the US.