Fans of The Traitors are able to visit one of the show’s most iconic locations – but only under one specific circumstance.
The hit BBC One show’s third series is well underway, with the fourth episode set to air at 9pm tonight (Wednesday, January 8). Claudia Winkleman is hosting another 22 players in the Highlands for 12 episodes of nail-biting action.
Contestants are split into two groups, Faithfuls and Traitors. The Traitors are not identified to the group, and ‘murder’ – or eliminate – Faithfuls one by one as they try to identify and banish their rivals.
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A staggering 5.4million people tuned in to watch episode one on New Year’s Day. While the show’s nail-biting missions, dramatic round tables and hair-raising murders are enough to entice any viewer, its stunning scenery has also proven a draw for fans.
Filming takes place at various locations, with much of the series recorded at Ardross Castle, about 30 minutes north of Inverness. The 19th-century property can be found on a sprawling estate boasting more than 100 acres of land. It is privately owned and, sadly, not open to the general public, nor can you spend the night there.
“The Castle is not a hotel and we do not let individual rooms,” it says on its website. However, if you’re really eager to walk those hallowed halls and have deep pockets, there is a way you can pay a visit as the castle is available to hire for private events – namely weddings.
Every wedding at the castle is unique, as pre-packaged ceremonies are not available. The grounds are available ‘as is’, meaning catering is not provided.
But with bedrooms and private suites available for the bridal party, indoor or outdoor ceremonies, a Great Hall with space for up to 130 guests and accommodation for up to 41 people, Ardross Castle makes the perfect venue for any Traitors fan’s big day.
If you’re keen to book the estate, you can contact the castle through a contact form on its website. It continues: “The castle and estate are privately owned and therefore there is no facility for tour parties or individual visits.”
A TikTok video showing off the castle’s now-famous outdoor steps covered in snow was shared following the launch of Series Three. The Castles of Scotland account, who posted the clip, said: “Ardross Castle lies north-west of Alness, in the Averon valley. It began life as a hunting lodge, built for the 1st Duke of Sutherland in late 1700s.”
The caption went on to outline the castle’s history, with the Second Duke of Sutherland having sold the estate in 1845 to Alexander Matheson. “After amassing considerable wealth he returned to Scotland and purchased the 60,000-acre Ardross Estate for £90,000,” it added.
Following Sir Alexander’s death, his son – Sir Kenneth Matheson – sold the estate to businessman and Captain in the Highland Light Infantry C . Dyson Perrins.
The estate was broken up and sold in 1937. The castle itself, along with Lealty Farm and more than 80 acres of land, were purchased by Mr and Mrs Austin Mardon, who lived there until 1983. It was then that the estate was sold to the current owners, the McTaggart family.