Outlander: Blood of My Blood star Harriet Slater opens up about joining the show and filming in Scotland

Outlander: Blood of My Blood ( Image via YouTube / STARZ )
Outlander: Blood of My Blood ( Image via YouTube / STARZ )

Outlander: Blood of My Blood sees Harriet Slater play Ellen MacKenzie in the new Starz prequel series. She has spoken about becoming involved with the production and filming on location in Scotland. Slater’s casting as Ellen MacKenzie was among the batch of early castings for the project. It places the series as a prequel centered around the parents of the protagonists of the flagship show.

Slater has discussed her experience on the series in press and interview coverage as a professional introduction to an established franchise rather than promotional commentary. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she said:

"It’s an honor to play this person who means so much to so many people. There’s an element of pressure with that, because you don’t want to let the fans down. But no, on the whole I think I feel confident. We’re all really proud of the show that we’ve made, and I think people will enjoy it.”

Cast and series synopsis of Outlander: Blood of My Blood

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Outlander: Blood of My Blood is touted to be an Outlander prequel that dramatizes the life histories of two pairs of parents. It follows Jamie Fraser’s Scottish parents in the 18th century and Claire Fraser’s parents in World War I. The story explores how the relations between them lead to the later happenings of the franchise.

Early 2024 casting announcements for the series named Harriet Slater as Ellen MacKenzie and Jamie Roy as Brian Fraser. The other parallel storyline appears to feature Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine. This information was released in the form of official industry notices and outlet reporting.


What Slater has said about Outlander: Blood of My Blood

In press features and interviews, Slater has spoken about becoming involved in the production, collaborating with the cast and crew, and filming in Scotland. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she said:

"I think Scotland has got to be one of the most stunning places on the planet. It’s so dramatic and beautiful, and Maril always says that is number one on the call sheet, really, because it’s so present in the show. It really does feel like a character of its own. You can forget that you’re acting at times when you can’t see the cameras and you are completely immersed in the world, it really does feel like you’ve been transported back in time."

Filming locations and production notes about Outlander: Blood of My Blood

Outlander: Blood of My Blood production took place in Scotland in 2024, with activity spotted at studios and on location throughout Glasgow. Additional filming occurred in other locations across Scotland.

Trade reporting and local media include Wardpark Studios and Glasgow locations among the production bases. Further location coverage mentions the Highlands and historic sites employed for external sequences.


More about the character: Ellen MacKenzie

Ellen is portrayed as a woman who stands at the forefront of Clan MacKenzie’s politics, whose relationship with Brian Fraser drives a central thread of the prequel’s 18th-century plot. Ellen’s path is set according to clan obligation and the restrictions placed upon women during the era; the tension between Ellen and Brian is a key emotional thread of the season.

Starz and other entertainment sites made the premiere announcement in August 2025 and published schedules and coverage concurrent with the premiere. Premiere critic reviews, interviews, and platform schedules are contemporary evidence of availability and early audience and press response.


In all the interviews that Harriet Slater has given, Outlander: Blood of My Blood has been discussed with the same measured balance she brought to Ellen MacKenzie. Her approach has been objective, fact-based, and reservedly enthusiastic. She presents her contribution as a way to be part of a well-respected series without exaggerating her role or the production difficulties.

From dealing with the unpredictable Scottish weather to acting out the understated power dynamics of clan politics, her description of the experience remains steadfastly neutral yet captivating.

Also read: Outlander: Blood of My Blood Episode 3– Release date news, time, streaming details and more

Edited by Ritika Pal