Outlander begins production on season 5 in Scotland

The worst kept secret from Scotland has finally been made official: Outlander has begun production on season 5.

Filming begins this week on the next 12 episodes that will be based on The Fiery Cross, the fifth book in Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling series. The story will continue in colonial America as the Frasers build their new life on their namesake ridge.

“In season 4, Jamie [Sam Heughan] and Claire’s [Caitriona Balfe] decision to remain in the New World changes the course of their life together,” said executive producer Matthew B. Roberts in a statement. :After being struck by the beauty of the North Carolina wilderness, untamed and uncultivated, they choose to call it home. Fraser’s Ridge. However, what is a dream for some is a nightmare for others. Being at the center of the birth of America is often a bloody and violent and heartbreaking matter. Now, in season 5, Jamie and Claire’s duty is not only to their loved ones, but to the community of settlers forming part of the ever-increasing Clan Fraser.”

Here’s the official longline from the network: “Establishing a home in the New World is by no means an easy task — and protecting it proves even more difficult — particularly in the wild backcountry of North Carolina, during a period of dramatic sociopolitical upheaval. As Claire knows all too well, friends, neighbors and countrymen are unwittingly marching towards Revolution, with members of the elite ruling classes struggling to stifle the alarming undercurrent of unrest triggered by the Regulator Movement. Against this backdrop, which soon heralds the birth of the new American nation, Claire and Jamie are forced to ask themselves just how far they are willing to go to protect their home, and praying there will be no reason to light the fiery cross, an ancient Scottish call to arms.”

Balfe already let the cat out of the bag earlier this month by posting teasers on Instagram. One of her posts includes BTS video of a house designed by Jon Gary Steele, who can be seen in the clip.

Sophie Skelton — who plays Brianna, the daughter of Claire and Jamie — also posted an “explosive” teaser of her own.

Heughan, in contrast, has preferred to post pics of his adventures during the hiatus — but honestly, fans seem to welcome those images just as much (if not more).

Starz has renewed Outlander through its sixth season.

Related content:

• See the first Fraser family portrait
• Why we are grateful for Clare Fraser
• Every EW Outlander cover