From Private Jets to Baronial Estates: Alan Carr and Amanda Holden’s Scottish Sojourn
Renowned for their on-screen chemistry, television personalities Amanda Holden and Alan Carr have once again captured public attention, this time with a joint BAFTA nomination for their entertainment show, and a glimpse into their luxurious weekend getaway in the Scottish Highlands. The dynamic duo were recently spotted boarding a private jet at Inverness, bound for London, following a decadent escape in the picturesque Scottish landscape.
This lavish trip comes at an opportune moment for Alan Carr, who has recently confirmed his acquisition of a Traitors-style castle in Scotland. The comedian, now officially a baron, splashed out a considerable £3.25 million for his new Scottish abode. While this particular weekend retreat saw Amanda and Alan enjoying the opulence of Skibo Castle near Dornoch – a significant 200 miles from Carr’s newly purchased estate – it highlights their shared appreciation for the finer things in life and their penchant for grand properties.
Skibo Castle, a name synonymous with ultimate luxury, is no stranger to hosting VIPs. The estate boasts an impressive 18-hole golf course, a dedicated equestrian centre, 21 lavish guest rooms, and 12 secluded estate lodges. Adding to the unique experience, a piper is on hand to gently rouse guests each morning. Its illustrious guest list reads like a who’s who of global figures, having previously welcomed the likes of Madonna and Guy Ritchie for their wedding in 2000, and Robbie Williams for his 30th birthday bash in 2004. Former US Presidents George Bush Senior and Bill Clinton, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, legendary actor Sir Sean Connery, and rock icon Mick Jagger have also graced its halls. Since 2003, the castle has been under the ownership of Irish-American Ellis Short, who acquired it for £23 million. For three decades, it has operated as the exclusive private members’ club, The Carnegie Club.
The BAFTA nomination for Entertainment Performance for their joint venture, Alan and Amanda’s Spanish Job, underscores their enduring appeal as a television pairing. This honour comes hot on the heels of their luxurious Scottish escape, further cementing their status as a beloved and successful duo.
Alan Carr’s Baronial Ambitions
Alan Carr’s recent purchase of Ayton Castle was reportedly inspired by his appearance on Celebrity Traitors last year. The comedian has proudly announced his acquisition of the Barony of Ayton title and is even planning to design his own tartan. The baronial title itself dates back to 1324 and was offered for sale alongside the estate.
Carr elaborated on his new status during an appearance on the Staying Relevant podcast with Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson. “I’m in my turret era,” he declared. “I want a castle and I’m 50. I’m not going to be around forever. I think 50, I just want to do what I want to do. I’ve always wanted a castle. I’m a baron. I’m going to get my own tartan.” He also firmly dismissed rumours that he had been outbid, confirming, “I have bought it. Someone said someone else has bought it but, no, I have.” He expressed immense excitement about the project, stating, “I haven’t been this excited about a project for ages. I’ve got the survey now and I’m waiting for the keys to come.”
The comedian, who separated from his husband Paul Drayton in 2022, also jested about potentially finding a companion for his new abode. The expansive Ayton Castle estate features a remarkable 16 bedrooms, 160 acres of meticulously maintained gardens, and even its own miniature railway.
A Grand Vision for Ayton Castle
Alan Carr has ambitious plans for his historic property, which will be documented in a forthcoming seven-figure deal with Disney+. The new series, tentatively titled Castle Man, will chronicle the extensive renovation of Ayton Castle into a high-end hotel and spa. This venture echoes the success of his previous home transformation series with Amanda Holden.
However, Carr’s grand vision has encountered a slight hiccup. A planned meeting to inform local residents of his proposals had to be postponed due to an overwhelming response. The original venue, Ayton Bowling Club, with a capacity of just 120 people, was unable to accommodate the “unprecedented” number of attendees.
Concerns have been raised by residents regarding potential restrictions on public access to the castle grounds. In the interim, those with queries or grievances are being advised to submit their feedback to the community council.
Carr first revealed his castle-buying aspirations last month on Jonathan Ross’s chat show. “I’m buying a castle,” he announced. “I’m having a midlife crisis. I want a turret to call my own. I’m in my turret era. I fancy a move and I loved being in The Traitors castle, so I thought, ‘I’m going to get myself one’.”
The beloved comic also spoke of feeling “lonely” ahead of his 50th birthday in June and expressed a desire for the castle to become a vibrant hub, a place for people to visit and filled with animals. “I’m 50 this year – I know I don’t look it – and I just want one. I know it sounds very grand,” he said. “I’m moving from where I am at the minute, I want animals there, I want a community thing. I’m lonely where I am. It’ll be nice, having people come there and have a cream tea. I want people to come in and have donkeys and stuff everywhere.”
His vision extends to reintroducing wildlife to the estate. “The estate agent said, ‘Do you want some Highland cows?’ I said, ‘Yeah, stick them on’. I want to re-introduce wolves. If I’m a landowner I can re-introduce wolves. That’d be nice. Helps the ecosystem… I read somewhere… maybe I’ll have a think about that. I want it to be like a big old zoo, I love it.” The renovation efforts are set to transform the centuries-old estate into a functional and spectacular home, promising compelling television for viewers. The production company behind the series is reportedly Expectation, the same firm responsible for the acclaimed Clarkson’s Farm.
