Demolition of Jimmy Savile's former Highland cottage begins after fire

THE demolition of a property in the Highlands once owned by Jimmy Savile has finally began.

Crews spent almost nine hours getting the fire at an outbuilding at the cottage, Allt-na-Reigh, under control last month.

The disgraced broadcaster owned the cottage from 1998 until his death in 2011.

The site lay abandoned and has been vandalised repeatedly since Savile’s death in 2011, and images now show the property being dismantled.

Workers have removed sections of the wood as well as waste debris likely damaged from the fire and abandonment.

A 3D render of the proposed house to be redeveloped on the site (Image: Highland Council)

In June 2024, councillors approved plans to demolish the cottage, and replace it with a new modern home. The owners have three years to begin the works and last month, current owner and developer Harris Aslam said its demolition would take place “as soon as possible.”

Aslam wants to honour one of the cottage's previous occupants, Dr Hamish MacInnes, a famous Scottish mountaineer and inventor.

Dr MacInnes, who died in 2020, was the inventor of the stretcher that is used by mountain rescue teams all over the world and ice axes.

Last month, a spokesperson for the Aslam family said: “Given the delicate nature of the surrounding environment and the exemplary design of the project, specialist construction methods will be required, which means the development will take time.

“However, we are fully committed to beginning demolition as soon as possible, with the broader redevelopment targeted to commence in spring/summer 2025.

“We appreciate the public interest in the site, especially given Hamish MacInnes’ prior ownership.

“But we kindly ask that the public do not attempt to access the area.”

The proposal for the redevelopment is for a three-bedroom family home with the design referencing “the wider traditional style of Scottish cottages”.

The application design statement by Jon Frullani architect's states: “It is our belief that the ensemble of these design moves are sensitive and considerate of the surroundings.”

This includes white render on the exterior walls of the building and darkened timber.