Sam Heughan: Appeal inspired by Outlander star nets $60,000 for Lyceum Theatre

A fundraiser inspired by Outlander star Sam Heughan’s love for Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre has netted $60,000 in just two weeks.

The two fans behind the ‘Save A Seat For Sam The Christmas’ appeal now hope to raise even more funds for the venue as it faces a deeply uncertain future because of lockdown.

It was launched after the actor set up his own campaign called ‘Letters to Lyceum’ which gathered together audiences’ and artists’ lockdown stories.

And the $25 per head appeal will allow local people the opportunity to purchase a ticket for a “virtual seat” at the Lyceum for a Christmas performance on December 12.

The performance will showcase close friends and colleagues talking about their experiences and stories with the popular Scottish actor to raise money for the theatre during the pandemic.

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The fans behind it have been thrilled by the response - and they want to keep fundraising.

In a tweet, Savannah Forge and Tash Pow said: “We are thrilled to announce that, within the first two weeks of our Save A Seat For Sam Heughan fundraiser benefiting the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, we have raised $60,000.

Sam Heughan. (Pic: John Devlin)

“This has been raised by fans just like us, in appreciation of Sam.”They added: “We are very, very excited to see how much more we can raise for the remaining two two weeks of the fundraiser.”

Throughout the fundraiser, the duo have arranged a number of giveaway prizes for people who make donations including signed books, and magazines featuring the star on the cover.

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