The BBC has once again transformed Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands for the fourth series of The Traitors, including a celebrity spin-off featuring Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross, and Stephen Fry. The 19th-century castle, designed in the Scottish Baronial style, serves as the primary filming location for the game of deceit hosted by Claudia Winkleman.
Contestants spend most of their time at Ardross Castle, where roundtable eliminations, breakfast reveals, and some tasks are filmed. However, they stay in separate accommodation overnight, and many tasks take place in the surrounding countryside and land.
Winkleman has praised the location, saying: 'I have never been anywhere more beautiful than the Scottish highlands in my life. It felt sometimes like we were in a painting.' She recalled seeing a double rainbow, baby deer, heather, ancient trees, and an ancient loch, with crew members moved to tears.
Ardross Castle has a rich history. Purchased by the 1st Duke of Sutherland in the late 1700s, it was later sold to Sir Alexander Matheson in 1845 for £90,000, who commissioned architect Alexander Ross to redesign it in Scots Baronial style. After several owners, the castle was acquired by the McTaggart family in 1983, who have since developed the gardens and buildings.
The castle is not open to the public but can be booked for exclusive hire for corporate and private events.
