A BIG budget US television series filmed partly in Glasgow had its UK premiere last night.

Outlander, based on author Diana Gabaldon's bestselling books, was screened simultaneously at the Grosvenor Cinema in the west end of Glasgow and White Rabbit Studio in Shoreditch, London.

The first eight episodes will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Instant Video from Thursday.

Outlander has strong ties to Glasgow with scenes shot in George Square and Pollok Country Park.

During filming Wardpark Studios, a former factory in Cumbernauld, formed the main base for cast and crew.

The show's stellar cast includes Glasgow-born actors Gary Lewis, Bill Paterson and Graham McTavish.

Leading man Sam Heughan from Dumfries and Galloway, who plays charismatic Highlander Jamie Fraser, studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in the city.

Sam said he is looking forward to the show finally being available to UK viewers.

"It's a very proud moment and exciting because I've been desperate for people to be able to see it," he said. "It feels right because Scotland has played such a major part of this show. I think it is a celebration of Scottish culture."

The £50 million series, first screened on the US network Starz last autumn, charts the adventures of Claire Randall, a former Second World War combat nurse played by Irish actor Caitriona Balfe.

Claire is on a second honeymoon to Scotland with her husband Frank in 1945 when she is mysteriously transported back in time to 1743.

With history poised on the cusp of the Jacobite rising, it is here she meets the dashing Jamie.

Outlander follows Brad Pitt's zombie blockbuster World War Z and alien thriller Under the Skin starring Scarlett Johansson in choosing to film scenes in Glasgow.

Other locations used across Scotland include Rannoch Moor, Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway, Doune Castle and Linlithgow Palace.

Further new episodes of Outlander will be available weekly on Amazon Prime Instant Video from April 5, released every Sunday just hours after being broadcast in the US.