The Scottish actor, producer and wellbeing advocate best known for playing the role of Jamie Fraser in the global hit series Outlander came on board as the Games’ celebrity ambassador in October 2025.

With the Scottish Thistles preparing to compete on home soil at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, captain Emily Nicholl helped to coordinate a special surprise for her squad’s coach. Nicholl kept Heughan’s appearance a secret, framing the additional training session as a ‘Scotland-themed’ content capture session for Glasgow 2026.

Kath relocated to Scotland from Australia in 2024 to take on the role of Head Coach, bringing with her a wealth of coaching and leadership experience from the professional netball world in Australia, as well as a fierce passion for Outlander.

Just moments before her surprise, Kath spoke to the Glasgow 2026 team about everything she loves about Scotland, including taking her Australian family on the Outlander tour. When asked which famous Scot she would most like to see supporting the Thistles at the Games, there was only one answer.

Sam Heughan.

Seconds later, in true Jamie Fraser style, Sam walked onto court at the Glasgow International Arena, calling out, "Kath, I'm here! I heard you need a new Thistle – I’m ready!”

A stunned Kath, taken completely by surprise, turned to her Thistles, exclaiming “I’m going to freak out” before accepting an embrace from her hero.

Sam H & Kath

Following the surprise, Sam joined the Thistles on court, trying his hand at passing and shooting drills and found out what it takes to be a Scottish Thistle. Towards the end of the session, Emily shared just how much it meant to be able to pull the surprise together:

"We're so grateful to Sam for coming along.

"I've recently become an Outlander fan thanks to Kath, and some of the big themes of the show are family and sacrifice.

"It's not lost on us how much Kath has sacrificed to be here in Scotland with us, so we really wanted to do something special for her.

"I'm also so grateful to Glasgow 2026 for making this possible."

 

Sam became an official Glasgow 2026 Ambassador in October 2025. In the role, he is helping promote the Games, engage audiences at home and abroad and inspire people through sport, physical activity and community wellbeing.

Speaking when he was announced as an Ambassador, Sam said:

"I am overjoyed and extremely proud to be joining the Glasgow 2026 team. We have all these amazing athletes at the top of their game coming to Glasgow, and I can't wait for them to experience the pride, warmth and welcome from the city and the Scottish crowds."

Sam will be busy during the Games between supporting the Thistles and stepping behind the decks at the first medal session of the Games. He will entertain crowds at the SEC Armadillo on 24 July at the 1pm Para Powerlifting session.

The Scottish Thistles begin their Glasgow 2026 campaign the following day when they face New Zealand in the opening match of the netball competition.

Don’t miss your chance to see the action live. Secure your tickets now at Glasgow2026.com/tickets.