A SHOWRUNNER for the popular TV series Outlander has thanked Scotland for making the cast and crew “feel like we belonged”, after finishing the eighth and final series of the historical drama.

Matthew B Roberts paid tribute to Scotland in a post on Instagram which read: “As I say goodbye to Scotland, hopefully not for the last time, it feels like I’m leaving more than just a location.

“What started as a distant place across the world has become a home in the truest sense. From day one, the people of Scotland welcomed a small group of Sassenachs from Los Angeles with open arms.”

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He continues, “They didn’t just let us film here – they embraced us, shared their stunning landscapes and culture, and made us feel like we belonged.”

“Scotland became a part of my life in ways I never expected, shaping not just the stories we told, but the person I’ve become,” he added.

He added: “Though this chapter is ending, Scotland will always stay with me.

“The friendships, the memories, the experiences – they’ll last a lifetime. Here’s to whatever comes next, but no matter where I go, a part of me will always be here. Outlander and Scotland will forever be in my heart.”

The hit series, based on the Outlander novel series by Diana Gabaldon, has been filming on location in Scotland since the show first aired in 2014.

It follows the story of English nurse Claire Randall, played by Caitriona Balfe, who travels back in time from 1940s Scotland to the 18th century, where she meets and falls in love with Highlander Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan.

The first part of series seven aired earlier this year, with part two due out in November.