A historic Scottish hotel that featured prominently in the 1973 cult horror film The Wicker Man is being sold at auction on 24 September 2026. The Ellangowan Hotel in Creetown, Dumfries and Galloway, served as the interior set for the fictional Green Man pub in the film and has remained closed for several years. Future Property Auctions is offering the property with a starting bid of £165,000, with the timed online auction scheduled to run from 10am to 3pm.
The 128-year-old, B-listed building featured actress Britt Ekland in a barmaid role during filming at the location. Many local residents participated as extras when production took place across various Dumfries and Galloway sites. The hotel's involvement in the film has made it a point of cultural interest for decades, though the building has deteriorated significantly since its closure.
What makes The Wicker Man culturally significant?
The 1973 film has maintained a polarising reputation throughout its 50-year history. Some film critics have hailed it as "the Citizen Kane of horror movies," while others have dismissed it as one of the worst films ever made. The narrative follows a Christian police officer dispatched to a remote Scottish island community to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, exploring themes that have sparked debate among audiences and scholars since its theatrical release.
What are the current plans for the property?
The local council approved conversion proposals in 2025 to transform the hotel into residential accommodation. According to the auction listing, the building has been stripped back to its original stone walls and has planning permission for seven apartments plus a wine bar. The property is situated in a conservation area and includes parking facilities, making it a potential commercial investment opportunity.
How has the hotel's film heritage been celebrated?
Prior to the Covid-19 lockdown, there were initiatives to capitalise on the hotel's starring role in the cult 1970s film, though these plans did not come to fruition. The south of Scotland's connection to The Wicker Man was commemorated for many years through the Wicker Man music festival, which celebrated the region's association with the film. The building's cultural significance has endured despite its long closure and deteriorating condition.
What happens next?
The property will be offered for sale through a timed online auction mechanism on 24 September 2026. Prospective buyers and investors will have the opportunity to bid on the B-listed building during the designated auction window, with the outcome determining the future use of this historically significant structure.
Key Facts:
- The Ellangowan Hotel served as the Green Man pub interior in the 1973 film The Wicker Man
- The property has been closed for several years and is stripped back to original stone walls
- Planning permission exists for conversion into seven apartments and a wine bar
- The auction begins at £165,000 and runs online from 10am to 3pm on 24 September 2026
- The 128-year-old building is B-listed and located in a Dumfries and Galloway conservation area
