The Starz period drama left off season three last December with a significant new development for Claire (played by Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan).
Having survived an enormous storm and subsequent ship wreck by the skin of their teeth, the star-crossed couple found themselves washed up on the sandy shores of the American Colonies, specifically Georgia.
While the cast returned to filming on the hugely-popular adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s epic time-travel novels before season three had even finished airing, it wasn’t until now that fans have been able to try and piece together elements of the new storyline.
For one thing, new footage and photos taken in East Kilbride’s Calderglen country park clearly show Caitriona, 38, clad in period costume and headed to film a scene in the wet forest – which will presumably double for land surrounding Jamie and Claire’s new home, dubbed Frasers Ridge.
Along with the Irish actress, four other cast members can be seen joining her for the mystery scene, which includes two women and two men.
While difficult to judge exactly who the actors are, Jamie had a number of fellow Scottish associates in season three, and it was left unclear exactly who had survived the horrific ship wreck.
The two male characters could be some of his fellow kinsmen, or be completely new to the story for season season four.
It has already been confirmed that Maria Doyle Kennedy will play Jamie’s aunt Jocasta, who owns the plantation where they first stay in America, so it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to assume that one of the brunette females is the actress herself.
Details of other new face Ed Speeler, who will play Irish pirate and smuggler Stephen Bonnet still haven’t surfaced, but as filming continues near Glasgow it’s looking more and more likely he will show up too.
Fans lined up to catch a glimpse of their favourite show, and a notice had already been posted last week warning local residents that the production would be parking up in the East Lanarkshire area for the time being.
Explaining there would be closures throughout, it read: “We ask that any members of the public exercise a degree of caution near any crew, vehicles or equipment.
“Members of the public may be asked to wait for short periods whilst we are filming. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Barely unable to contain their excitement, a number of fans posted about the exciting experience.
“@caitrionambalfe just casually walking through cumbernauld glen…the area I live…yes I am screaming!!!!! #outlander #OutlanderSeason4,” one person wrote.
Another said: “The hardworking @caitrionambalfe returns to the set today @Outlander_STARZ #soooooooocold #cumbernauld @Glasgow_Live #outlanderfilming #wewerethere.”
It was also later revealed that Caitriona had taken the time to pose for a number of photos with fans, and could be seen sharing a grin with all who’d taken the time to wait for her arrival in the bitter cold.
Outlander season four is expected to return to Starz later this year, and will follow on Amazon Prime Video shortly after.
