Sam Heughan calls for Commonwealth Games fans to channel Tartan Army as he unveils DJ gig
Sam Heughan has learned DJ skills from George Bowie
Outlander star Sam Heughan has called for sports fans to channel the enthusiasm of the Tartan Army in the US this summer as he reveals he is set to take on his next major role as official DJ at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The actor will be entertaining crowds at the SEC Armadillo when the medal tally is opened at the Para Powerlifting session, marking the first time in Commonwealth Games history that a Para sport has awarded the first medal of the Games.
Para Powerlifting will be the first medal ceremony of Glasgow 2026 programme on 24 July at the SEC Armadillo.
Named as Glasgow 2026's first celebrity ambassador, Heughan, best known for playing Jamie Fraser in the global hit series Outlander, has taken tips on taking to the decks from veteran radio presenter and DJ George Bowie.
Heughan said: “Scottish fans are the best in the world - you only have to look at what’s happening across the pond right now to see that.
“I am excited to see the crowds at a home Games getting behind Team Scotland, just as they did in 2014. Atmosphere is everything and I’m proud to have been asked to play a part in creating it. DJ’ing isn’t naturally in my wheelhouse so it was only right to learn from the best. Thanks to George showing me the ropes, I’m ready for my big moment.”
He added: “I don’t want to give too much away, as I want to leave a few tunes up my sleeve, but it’s safe to say that we will boogie.”
Bowie said: “The Commonwealth Games returning to Glasgow deserves a special kind of star power, so it was an honour to share a few tips with Scotland’s own global superstar, Sam Heughan, and help get him ready for the occasion. We worked on the setlist together and it’s safe to say there are a few bangers in there.
“I know more about heartburn than being a heartthrob, so I’m sure the crowd at the SEC Armadillo will be delighted that it’s Sam behind the decks.”
He added: “A home Games is typically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so, like every Glaswegian, I feel incredibly lucky that they’re coming back. We’re going to make the most of it and it’s going to be the biggest party in town."
Louisa Mahon, chief marketing officer at Glasgow 2026 said: "Sam and George have captured exactly what Glasgow 2026 is about - great sport, great fun, great atmosphere and a city that knows how to put on a show.
"Para Powerlifting will be one of the highlights of the Games, and awarding the first medal in Para sport is the first in Commonwealth Games history, making this moment at the SEC Armadillo even more special. It’s a brilliant opportunity for people to be there in the crowd to get behind the athletes and set the tone for 11 magical days of sport.”
Glasgow 2026 runs from 23 July to 2 August, bringing 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city for an 11-day celebration of sport and Scottish culture.
This Commonwealth Games will feature a record-breaking Para sport programme of 47 events across six sports.
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