SAM Heughan’s love of history fuels his passion for Glasgow, the Outlander star has said.
The actor, who portrays Jamie Fraser in the hit TV show, spoke with The New York Times about his five favourite spots in the city – which he praised for its combination of both “beautiful parts and grit”.
“I love walking and running along the River Clyde to Glasgow Green with a possible stop at the microbrewery Drygate for a beer,” he told the US paper.
READ MORE: Sam Heughan: Outlander star in 'call to action' on climate emergency
He is also a fan of Citizens Theatre in the Gorbals, but it doesn’t make his top 5, which is below:
1. The Ben Nevis Bar
The tiny bar in Finnieston is home to traditional Scottish music and an extensive whisky collection. Heughan explained that he first went there during his time as a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland but is still a fan.
He said: “People speak Gaelic, and there is live traditional Scottish music, sometimes planned, sometimes impromptu. It’s a special place.”
2. Kelvingrove Park
The popular public park containing the famous Kelvingrove Art Gallery and overlooked by the University of Glasgow also makes the actor’s list.
He recommends going there for a picnic or going to the nearby Inn Deep bar.
3. The Dakota Hotel
Heughan is a fan of the restaurant inside this hotel in the city centre, not far from Sauchiehall Street.
He says the interior is “dark and sexy” and recommends the steak and cocktails.
4. I.J. Mellis
The cheesemonger’s on Great Western Road is another addition to Heughan’s list.
He told the paper: “I’m not a dessert guy, but at the end of a meal, I can damage a cheese board, especially one with Orkney and Isle of Mull Cheddars.”
5. Crabshakk Finnieston
Heughan says Scotland has the best seafood in the world and he likes to sit at this restaurant at the counter facing the open kitchen and tuck into the seafood platter with some champagne.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here