The former Highland cottage of disgraced TV personality Jimmy Savile has been demolished, following years of vandalism and a fire. Allt-na-Reigh, located on the A82 in Glen Coe, was owned by the prolific sex offender from 1998 for around 13 years.
Highland Council confirmed that a building warrant for demolition was approved on 24 February 2026. The property has now been razed to the ground, with new owner Scottish entrepreneur Harris Aslam planning to build a prestigious home on the site. A spokesperson for the Aslam family said the demolition works have been completed, and construction will begin on a home reflective of the surrounding landscape.
The cottage had been a target for repeated damage after Savile's abuse came to light following his death in 2011. Councillor Andrew Baxter told the BBC that local residents are “delighted that it’s finally gone” and can “move on from that connection with Savile”. He described the property as a “complete blight” and an “eyesore” covered in graffiti.
Opinion had been divided over the cottage's fate. Some suggested demolition, while mountaineers wanted it turned into a museum dedicated to renowned Scottish mountaineer Hamish MacInnes, who previously lived there. The Aslam family said MacInnes will be honoured in the redevelopment. Previous plans to use the property as a respite care centre were abandoned when the Jimmy Savile Charitable Trust closed.
