IT was set to be one of the stand-out cultural events of the year and draw an audience from around the world to Scotland.

Now a major academic conference into the cultural phenomenon that is Outlander has been cancelled as the coronavirus crisis continues.

Glasgow University - which has served as a filming location in the hugely popular TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's Jacobite novel series - had planned a four-day summer summit.

The National:

Experts in history, culture, warfare, clothing and more were expected to attend, with fringe events set to be opened to the public.

The team behind the conference includes Gillebride MacMillan, the Gaelic singer and Glasgow University lecturer who starred as Gwyllyn the Bard in the hit Starz network show.

But today university bosses say they have no choice but to call it off in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is hoped that new dates can be found, but a spokesperson said these have "yet to be decided".

A spokesperson said it had been a "difficult decision".

An one-day Edwin Morgan 100 Conference dedicated to the legacy of the Scottish poet is also off.

The university said: "The decision to postpone the conferences follows increased concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It was felt this was the best way to proceed for everyone due to take part in both conferences which would have had delegates from around the world travelling to Glasgow.

"We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold these events at the moment and know this disappointment will also be shared by those hoping to attend. But we feel it’s the right decision based on the information we have today relating to the global outbreak."

Further updates will be issued on the dedicated website www.outlanderconferenceglasgow.com.

The National:

The TV version of Outlander, which has elevated Scotland's Sam Heughan to international stardom, is now in its fifth series.

Lauded as much for its strong factual basis as its storytelling, Gabaldon's creation has spawned colouring and cookery spin-offs as well as a passionate fandom.