The much-anticipated prequel to Outlander, titled ‘Blood of My Blood’, is set to hit screens this summer, stirring up excitement among fans.

The drama will centre around two couples: 18th-century Highlanders Ellen MacKenzie (portrayed by Harriet Slater) and Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy), and Henry Beauchamp (Jeremy Irvine) and Julia Moriston (Hermione Corfield) during the First World War.

The prequel will also reintroduce audiences to younger versions of beloved Outlander characters such as Jocasta Cameron (Sadhbh Malin), Colum MacKenzie (Seamus McLean Ross), and Dougal MacKenzie (Sam Retford).

As we eagerly await the premiere of the 10-part series on August 8, let’s delve into the tragic backstory of Dougal.

Exploring the life of Outlander’s Dougal MacKenzie

Dougal and his elder brother Colum had a complex relationship as they jointly managed Clan MacKenzie after their father’s demise.

Dougal held the position of the MacKenzie Clan War Chieftain, while Colum served as the Laird, reports the Scottish Daily Express.

However, due to his debilitating condition, Toulouse-Lautrec Syndrome, which caused him severe pain and rendered him unable to walk, Colum relied heavily on Dougal as his right-hand man. In essence, Dougal was the muscle to Colum’s intellect in the management of Clan MacKenzie.

As depicted in Outlander, rumours circulated that Dougal was involved in an extramarital affair with Colum’s wife Letitia Chisholm (Aislín McGuckin) and was the biological father of his son Hamish MacKenzie (Roderick Gilkison).

The situation became even more convoluted when Colum appointed Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) as Hamish’s guardian, bypassing Dougal.

Blood of My Blood will delve into the younger days of Colum and Dougal, prior to the events depicted in Outlander.

The pair were fiercely protective over their sisters Jocasta and Ellen, following the tragic demise of their other sisters Flora and Janet MacKenzie.

Ellen’s romance with Brian Fraser (Jamie Roy) was met with disapproval from Dougal and Colum, who attempted to prevent the couple from uniting. Their preference was for a politically advantageous match for Ellen to bolster the clan’s standing.

However, love prevailed as Brian and Ellen managed to be together, culminating in a handfast wedding ceremony after she fell pregnant. Once it became apparent that Ellen was expecting and could not be married off elsewhere, Dougal and Colum reluctantly accepted the union.

Dougal MacKenzie’s heartbreaking exit from Outlander

On the eve of the Battle of Culloden, a battle he was eager to participate in, believing in Scotland’s victory, Dougal tragically lost his life.

He stumbled upon Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie discussing plans to assassinate Bonnie Prince Charlie (Andrew Gower) in a desperate bid to alter history.

Enraged by the treacherous conversation, Dougal flew into a fury, vowing to kill Claire, whom he accused of being a traitorous witch.

He cautioned Jamie that he had been enchanted by Claire before launching an attack on her. Jamie intervened, leading to a fatal confrontation between him and his uncle, resulting in Dougal being labelled a traitor.

The conflict concluded when Jamie stabbed Dougal with a dirk, resulting in a bloody demise. Jamie and Dougal’s altercation also served as the catalyst for Claire’s return through the stones to the future, ensuring the safety of their baby.

Despite Dougal’s death, he made a surprise appearance in season seven when Roger MacKenzie (Richard Rankin) journeyed back through the stones in search of his son, inadvertently travelling further back in time than expected.