If you are a fan of British television, BBC One’s Celebrity Traitors is back on screens with a batch of famous contestants as they scheme, lie and backstab in a Scottish castle.
The 19th-century Ardross Castle in Scots Baronial style, located north of Inverness in the Highlands is set in 4ha of parkland and formal gardens along the River Alness.
From the ornate drawing room (used as the breakfast area in The Traitors, the non-celebrity version of the show), to the Billiard Room with tartan wallcoverings and the great hall, the grand interiors of Ardross are as much part of The Traitors’ storytelling as the contestants themselves.
If the start of the new series is inspiring a stay in similar surroundings, here are some Scottish castles you can actually stay in.
1. Dalhousie Castle
The 800-year-old Dalhousie Castle just outside Edinburgh has been a luxury hotel since 1972, and it has just reopened following an extensive £6mil refurbishment. The history and character have been preserved in one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles, with 35 individually designed guestrooms, a hidden single-cask whisky library and a two AA-Rosette restaurant.
(AA-Rosette is Britain and Ireland’s version of the Michelin Star, an award given by The Automobile Association to both restaurants and hotels for exceptional service and quality.)
The original foundations have weathered through centuries (the moat, which once had a draw bridge, still exists), but the residence as seen today was designed around 1450.
2. Ayrshire Castle, West Kilbride
For something truly unique, this medieval tower house – also known as Law Castle – was commissioned in 1467 as a wedding gift by King James II of Scotland for his daughter, Princess Mary Stewart.
Located in the foothills of Law Hill in North Ayrshire, it became a law court at one point, complete with a prison in the pit, before falling into disrepair in the 19th century.
Since then it’s been beautifully restored in its original medieval style. Featuring a stone spiral staircase, a great hall and a dungeon dining room over more than 280sq m and six levels, there are views of the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran.
This is also a dog-friendly establishment.
3. Duns Castle, Berwickshire
Near the Scottish Borders, the family-owned Duns Castle dates back to 1320 and looks every bit like it could host The Traitors. Coming complete with its own nature reserve, highlights include the impressive dining room with views onto the lawn and lake and the main drawing room with period features.
Guests can rent the entire place and take part in archery, clay pigeon shooting and falconry while staying.
For history buffs, the grounds include Duns Law, a historic site where the famous rising against King Charles I – known as the Scottish Covenant – took place in 1638.
4. Ferniehirst Castle, Jedburgh
Close to the wooded banks of the River Jed near the Scottish borders and surrounded by ancient forest, this restored 15th-century property has stood through border conflicts and centuries of dramatic history.
Built in 1476 by Sir Thomas Kerr, it has since survived centuries of bloody border warfare – captured by the English twice, and in 1593 was nearly demolished by King James VI as punishment for the then laird apparently assisting his enemies. Andrew Kerr rebuilt it in 1598 and it’s still the seat of the Clan Kerr today.
At its heart is a great hall with ancestral portraits, and beneath the nine bedrooms is a vaulted undercroft, offering a glimpse into the past. There’s even an intimate family chapel on site. Outside there’s rolling countryside, river walks and historical landmarks, while Jedburgh itself offers plenty of independent cafes and shops.
5. Castle Wing, Kilmarnock
Live like royalty for a few days or a whole week in this castle in the Ayrshire countryside. Set within a 240ha estate with a private loch, this regal stay sleeps up to 16 people over six bedrooms, in one wing of a castle that’s been owned by the same family for over 700 years (they’ll even show you around the estate and share some tales).
If you get tired of woodland walks (dogs are welcome here) the lively Kilmarnock is only 5.6km away.
6. Tower O’Ess, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire
This Victorian era gatehouse conversion on the River Tanar was built in the 1870s as an imposing gateway to the Glen Tanar Estate. Technically it isn’t a castle, but it does have the feel of a miniature one.
It’s now a luxury romantic hideaway with an outdoor hot tub, roll top bath and a wood burning stove.
The Glen Tanar Estate covers 10,117ha of Caledonian pine forests and hills glad in purple heather. Guests can take part in salmon fishing, grouse shooting and wildlife photography to try and snap the rare golden eagle or red squirrel. – LAUREN TAYLOR/PA Media/dpa
