Savile’s Highland Eyesore Demolished After Outcry

Demolition of Jimmy Savile’s Highland Home Marks End of Notorious Chapter

The remote cottage in the Scottish Highlands once owned by notorious television presenter Jimmy Savile has been demolished, bringing an end to a structure that had become a significant local blight and a grim reminder of the disgraced broadcaster’s crimes. The property, known as Allt-na-Reigh, situated in the picturesque Glencoe landscape, had fallen into disrepair and was frequently defaced with graffiti, including messages directly referencing its former owner.

For thirteen years, Savile used Allt-na-Reigh as a retreat, a place where he is believed to have abused up to twenty victims. The abandoned state of the cottage, coupled with its association with Savile’s prolific sexual offenses, led to considerable local disquiet. Residents and visitors alike had long viewed the property as an unwelcome intrusion on the natural beauty of Glencoe.

In 2021, the cottage was acquired by Harris Aslam, director of the Green’s grocery chain. His vision for the site was to completely raze the existing structure and construct a modern family home. This new dwelling was intended to pay homage to the legendary mountaineer Hamish MacInnes, who had previously resided in the cottage before Savile’s ownership.

After a period of planning and approvals, councillors finally granted permission for the demolition in 2024. Despite this, concerns had persisted regarding the property’s continued presence on the landscape. The demolition works have now been completed.

A spokesperson for Mr. Aslam’s company, Glenshire Properties, expressed gratitude for the swift support from Highland Council in approving the demolition warrant. “Demolition works are now under way in accordance with all approved planning permissions and building warrant consents,” the spokesperson stated. “The site has been fully secured, and we respectfully ask members of the public to refrain from accessing the area while demolition and subsequent construction works are ongoing, in the interest of safety.”

The emotional toll of the cottage’s presence was palpable among local officials. Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Andrew Baxter confessed to feeling “embarrassed by it every time” he drove past. He recounted his past experience as a tour guide, where he would deliberately steer visitors’ attention away from the unsightly property. “Photos of it were shared around the world because it became a sort of Instagram selfie site for many people as well,” Baxter noted, highlighting the extraordinary number of social media images featuring people posing outside the derelict building.

The Glenshire Properties spokesperson further emphasized their commitment to the site’s sensitive redevelopment. “We recognise the significance of this location, set against the striking backdrop of the Three Sisters, and we are committed to delivering a sensitive and high-quality family home that reflects its surroundings,” they said. The plans also include a dedicated commemoration to Dr. Hamish MacInnes, celebrating his significant contributions to mountaineering. This commemoration will feature elements such as the innovative MacInnes stretcher and the Terradactyl ice axe, both of which were developed in outbuildings on the site.

Jimmy Savile, a once-celebrated presenter of popular television shows like “Top of the Pops” and “Jim’ll Fix It,” was revealed as one of Britain’s most prolific sex offenders posthumously. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 84. Savile owned Allt-na-Reigh, located on the A82 road, from 1998 until his death. He first encountered the cottage during a cycling holiday in 1944 and developed a long-standing fascination with the remote location.

During his time at the cottage, Savile entertained notable guests, including Prince Charles for dinner. The property also gained notoriety through its appearance in Louis Theroux’s documentary “When Louis Met Jimmy.” Savile became a familiar figure in Glencoe village, with locals describing him as an “attention seeker” who would often be seen in a Highland kilt, waving at passing tourists. Anecdotes from the time recall unsettling interactions, including one instance where a local man seeking an autograph received a disturbing message from Savile suggesting that “lost girls” should visit him.

While Savile’s ownership spanned approximately thirteen years, some have voiced disappointment that this relatively short period has overshadowed the cottage’s much longer and varied history. The humble dwelling was dwarfed by the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands, including the iconic Three Sisters ridges of Biden nam Bian.

The name Allt-na-Reigh, a phonetic rendering of its Gaelic origins, loosely translates to “burn of the slope,” referencing the nearby stream. Historically, the cottage had served various purposes, including being part of a working croft, a small farm, and a roadman’s cottage responsible for maintaining the safety of travelers on the nearby road.

Following Savile’s death, the two-bedroom bungalow was put up for auction. It was initially purchased for £212,000 by an individual intending to reside there, before later being acquired by Mr. Aslam for his redevelopment project. The demolition of the property signifies the removal of a dark landmark and the beginning of a new chapter for the Glencoe site.