Demolition Work Resumes
Demolition of a cottage in Glen Coe, previously owned by Jimmy Savile, has recommenced after a delay, according to the site's owners.
Jimmy Savile, identified posthumously as one of the UK's most prolific sex offenders, owned the Allt-na-Reigh cottage in Glen Coe for approximately 13 years starting in 1998.
The Highland property, located on the A82, has suffered repeated vandalism and fire damage since revelations of Savile's abuse surfaced following his death in 2011.
Initial demolition efforts began in March of the previous year but were halted until a building warrant and other required approvals were fully granted.
Plans are in place to construct a new home on the site.
A spokesperson representing the owner, Scottish entrepreneur Harris Aslam, stated:
"We are grateful to Highland Council for their swift support in approving a demolition warrant for Allt-na-Reigh, and for their continued assistance as the project progresses."
They further added:
"The site has been fully secured, and we respectfully ask members of the public to refrain from accessing the area while demolition and subsequent construction works are ongoing in the interest of safety."
The spokesperson also noted the Aslam family’s recognition of the site's importance due to its scenic location against the backdrop of the Three Sisters mountains and its connection to the renowned Scottish climber and inventor Dr Hamish MacInnes.
Highland Council confirmed that the necessary paperwork was approved late last month.
Long History
In June 2024, councillors unanimously approved the demolition plans.
The redevelopment proposal includes a tribute to Dr Hamish MacInnes, another former owner of the cottage.
MacInnes, who passed away in 2020, was an inventor of ice axes and a mountain rescue stretcher widely used globally.
He developed many of his designs in outbuildings adjacent to the cottage.
The property itself has a lengthy history, having served variously as a house on a croft and as accommodation for road workers over the years.
