Alan Carr's Scottish Castle Purchase
Comedian Alan Carr has nearly reached national treasure status following his victory on Celebrity Traitors last year. However, it is his recent acquisition of a Scottish castle that he describes as his most thrilling project "for ages."
Earlier this year, it was announced that the Chatty Man star purchased Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders. The property was listed for offers over £3.25 million, and rumors circulated that Carr intended to convert it into a spa and hotel.
On a recent podcast, Carr dismissed these rumors, clarifying his intentions:
"It is my home and I'm selling up and moving up there. It is a lovely community, really small and I want it to be magical up there."
This raises the question: how feasible is it for others to buy a castle in Scotland? Are many castles currently available, and must one have the financial means of a celebrity millionaire?
Castles on the Market in Scotland
Dorothy Newlands of Lauriston, chair of the Scottish Castles Association, an organization dedicated to promoting the conservation and restoration of castles, noted that there are several "fascinating castles" currently for sale.
Among these is Law Castle in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, a restored medieval tower house originally built as a wedding gift for the daughter of King James II of Scotland, available for offers over £1 million.
At the higher end of the market, Castle Cary near Creetown in Dumfries and Galloway is listed for £9.5 million. This property includes a holiday park with a "ruined castle at its heart."
For those seeking a significant restoration project, Kinloch Castle on the Isle of Rum is available for £750,000, though restoration costs could run into millions.
If you are not in a hurry to move in, you might consider restoring a ruined castle - not for the faint hearted, but achievable,said Newlands, whose own castle is located in Aberdeenshire.
There have been some wonderful restoration projects in recent years.
There are some basics you need to get right – practicalities such as making sure you have an access road - not everyone thinks of that.
She also recommends engaging an architect experienced in conservation and consulting others who have undergone similar restoration processes.
Castle restorers are a friendly bunch, very willing to help with advice,she added.
As part of our campaign, Scotland's Castles: Use Them or Lose Them, we are producing a getting-started guide for those who want to take on a castle.
For those interested in a "renovated gem," Newlands mentioned several castles within commuting distance of Edinburgh. These include Ormiston Castle at Kirknewton (offers over £3.8 million), Cakemuir Castle at Pathhead (£2.9 million), and Brankstone Grange Castle near Clackmannan (£3 million).
Biggar features Shieldhill Castle, a 30-bedroom country house hotel with parts dating back to 1199, listed at £1.5 million.
Other properties currently available include Fa'side Castle in Tranent (£1.3 million), Braco's Orchil Castle (£2.1 million), and the Hebridean island of Shuna, which comes with a ruined castle, priced at £5.5 million.
Motivations and Trends in Castle Ownership
Newlands explained that people purchase castles because they appreciate the history and wish to contribute to preserving Scotland's built heritage.
That could range from someone working single-handedly for years on a rebuilding project or spending millions to make a dream come true.
There is also a growing trend of groups acquiring castles rather than individuals.
Several castles have been saved by clan associations, and we are also seeing communities buying their local castle and running projects to save them as focal points for community life,she said.
Insights from Estate Agents
Cameron Ewer, head of residential in Scotland for Savills estate agents, stated that purchasing a castle in Scotland may be more affordable than commonly perceived.
In Scotland, the dream of owning a castle is far more attainable than many imagine,he said.
What makes buying a castle here in Scotland so compelling is not only the grandeur of these buildings, but the clarity of the Scottish buying process itself.
He described the process, noting that properties are usually offered on an 'offers over' basis. When a buyer is interested, their solicitor registers this interest to receive updates, including the setting of a closing date.
It is a system designed to be transparent and respectful, ensuring that every serious buyer has a fair opportunity to put forward a considered offer.
Ewer emphasized that each castle carries significant historical value, and many buyers commission specialist surveys to fully understand the building's condition.
What I always say to clients is that buying a castle is not merely a transaction - it is an act of stewardship,he said.
These buildings hold centuries of stories, and those who take them on become part of that enduring narrative.
Whether someone is seeking a private sanctuary, a family seat, or a heritage project to restore and cherish, Scotland's castles continue to offer an extraordinary opportunity to live within history while shaping its next chapter.
Alan Carr's Castle Journey
Carr revealed on the Staying Relevant podcast that owning a castle had long been a personal ambition. His participation in Celebrity Traitors, filmed at Ardross Castle in the Highlands, reinforced this desire.
His search for a property was documented for a new Disney+ show provisionally titled Castle Man, produced by the creators of Clarkson's Farm.
For now, Carr is eager to settle into his expansive new residence, which features 17 bedrooms and 160 acres of land. The property also includes a unique feature:
"It's got no moat but it has got a little railway I can drive around,"he said.
