Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands has been the star of ‘The Traitors’, a game show hosted by Claudia Winkleman and we found this article on ‘Secret Scotland’ that we thought summed the now popular TV show up perfectly…
Kristina Galvydyte – Staff Writer at ‘Secret Scotland’ • January 2, 2025
Winter at Ardross Castle
We love a psychological reality show, and BBC’s The Traitors is the game show that had the UK’s full attention at the end of 2022. Claudia Winkleman returned to the Scottish Highlands for its third series on January 1, welcoming contestants for the ‘ultimate game of betrayal’. While The Traitors Scottish castle is not open to visitors, the show has resulted in growing numbers of visitors to Inverness by 25% since Season 2 came out, according to Trainline. The castle is also officially more popular than Balmoral or Edinburgh Castle, so it’s safe say, The Traitors has had quite the hold on us.
The Traitors welcomes 22 strangers to a Scottish castle, full of banishment, “murder”, betrayal and drama. The contestants are fighting for a chance to win £120,000 by raising money with completed tasks. Some players are “traitors”, being able to sneakily “murder” other contestants, while others are “faithfuls”. If there is a “traitor” remaining in the game at the end, they walk away with all the money for themselves. As you can probably guess, it makes for pretty tense and entertaining viewing – which is exactly why it’s had the nation unanimously hooked for three years now.
Where is The Traitors filmed?
The famous castle that plays the backdrop of the show is actually Ardross Castle. It’s located North of Inverness and very close to Go Highlands main office in Invergordon. Speaking of the castle, Claudia said to House Beautiful: “I thought I’ve been to beautiful places. I have never been anywhere more beautiful than the Scottish highlands in my life. It felt sometimes like we were in a painting if that’s not too cheesy.”
The castle boasts Scottish Baronial style architecture with turreted sides and opulent brickwork. This results in a striking, gothic feel that really brings the drama to the hit BBC show. The castle is used for both UK and US versions of the show. The latter of which has welcomed celebrities such as Brandi Glanville, Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Larsa Pippen as contestants.
What is the history behind Ardross Castle?
Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands has hosted many inhabitants and undergone multiple renovations. The Castle also boasts a colourful history. The castle’s first buyer was the Duke of Sutherland in the 1700s and was later sold to Sir Alexander Matheson in 1845 for £90,000.
In 1898 the estate was sold to businessman, C. W. Dyson Perrins, whose family used Ardross several months a year for parties and enjoying nature. Introducing electricity and expanding the land even further. They also added a new formal garden designed by Edward White. Imagine having a holiday home as lavish as this, eh?
1937 saw the breaking up of the estate and another sale, being sold to Mr & Mrs Austin Mardon who lived in the castle until 1983. The final sale went to the McTaggart family. They commenced more renovations and restorations to bring the building and its gardens back to its glory.
Today, it boasts some seriously swanky rooms – including the posh billiard room that regularly features on The Traitors, a large breakfast room (also a daily feature on the show), multiple lounge and drawing areas, and an array of stunning bedrooms, which, quite frankly, may each be larger than my entire house.
Can you visit Ardross Castle?
While Ardross Castle grounds are not open to the general public, it is available for weddings and as a filming location.
However, The Traitors Castle is officially more popular than Balmoral or Edinburgh Castle since the new season aired. According to Places To Travel, searches for the Scottish castle soared by 4,500%. Compared to the average volume over the last five years.
A spokesperson from Places To Travel said: “Searches for flights to Scotland have risen to pre-pandemic levels. Partly due to The Traitors inspiring viewers’ travel plans as the show returns to Ardross Castle in the Highlands.
TV tourism is becoming more common. Due to viewers wanting to visit the filming locations of their favourite shows. Go Highland Tours can help to make this happen for guests. It’s effective because the locations are carefully selected for the show. They aren’t being directly advertised, so users don’t feel like they are being sold to.”
Led by Claudia Winkleman and Alan Cumming. Claudia presenting the UK series for the BBC. Alan presenting the USA version of the TV Series. The picturesque setting becomes the battleground for a high-stakes game, where trust is a rare currency.