Alan Carr’s Ayton Castle cafe plans face a bat-related hurdle. (Photo: Instagram/SWNS)
Comedian Alan Carr ‘s plans to transform part of his new Scottish castle into a community cafe and estate shop could face an unexpected hurdle – bats .
Previous work at the castle also under scrutiny
The Celebrity Traitors winner has been renovating Ayton Castle after purchasing the sprawling property for £3.25 million earlier this year. The castle was captured by the English in 1497, while the nearby village of Ayton gave its name to the Treaty of Ayton, signed that year. The medieval stronghold was eventually replaced by a country house, which was destroyed by fire in 1834. The existing building was constructed between 1845 and 1851 by architect James Gillespie Graham, with later additions by David Bryce and James Maitland Wardrop. The castle now boasts 17 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a five-storey Great Tower, turrets, a private chapel and 106 acres of listed gardens. As part of his efforts to regenerate the estate, he recently held an auction featuring around 400 unwanted items from the property, giving buyers the opportunity to purchase pieces from the historic country house.
Because there are no similar facilities in the village of Ayton, the architects said the café could serve dog walkers and people exploring the estate, while also potentially attracting local residents. Carr has previously revealed that he plans to relocate permanently to Ayton Castle, with the renovation being documented for a Disney+ series. A Disney+ spokesperson confirmed that the option to purchase the Baron title came with the castle, but said Carr had chosen not to take it.
Malcolm Ginns, an ecology officer at Scottish Borders Council, said there was potential for the potting shed to provide a roosting site for bats and called for a daytime assessment, according to a report by the Daily Mail. “There is potential for the potting shed to host roosting bats and a daytime bat assessment should be undertaken,” he said. Carr’s representatives said a full ecological survey was already under way and that a report would be submitted once the work was complete. The café would occupy the eastern end of the buildings, with the estate shop located next to it, according to the design and access statement prepared by Lorn Macneal Architects Ltd. Ecological assessment ordered over Carr’s historic potting shed plans. (Photo: SWNS) Carr’s representatives said the proposed adaptive reuse would take the historical significance of the buildings into account and was intended to prevent further deterioration. “Full awareness of the existing building’s historical significance is addressed and maintained and the adaptive use proposal sits well within the guidance issued by HES, allowing a long-term sustainable purpose for these estate buildings,” they said. Addressing the possibility of wildlife inhabiting the structures, Carr’s representatives said an ecological study had been commissioned. “It is recognised that the building location presents potential for habitation by a potential variety of species,” they said. They said no recent applications had been submitted for work to the main castle, although some earlier repair work had not been completed or reinstated appropriately. The representatives said Carr was aware of the issues and wanted to work with Scottish Borders Council to ensure the necessary permissions were retrospectively obtained and significant features were properly reinstated. His remarks on a podcast drew criticism from some locals, who accused him of cultural appropriation and called him an “invader”. The spokesperson also said the estate’s gates would remain open to dog walkers and ramblers. “Alan Carr is very much looking forward to making Ayton his home and getting to know the local community,” the spokesperson said. Carr had previously spoken about his plans for his new home on a podcast, saying he wanted a change after turning 50 and describing the local community as “lovely” and “really small”.
However, his plans to convert a former potting shed and other ancillary buildings at the historic estate have been delayed amid concerns over the potential presence of roosting bats. Ginns added that the assessment could require follow-up bat activity surveys, which would need to be carried out between May and September and could not start later than August. Council raises concerns over potential bat roosts at Ayton Castle. (Photo: SWNS) Carr’s proposal would see a collection of derelict traditional buildings converted into a community café and estate shop. The plans also include repair and conservation work aimed at preserving the historic fabric of the buildings. The potting sheds consist of four separate single-storey structures, each around 4m wide and 40m long, running along the northern edge of a former walled garden. The buildings are B-listed and are currently described as being in a partially derelict and dilapidated condition. The café and shop could also become an attraction for narrow-gauge railway enthusiasts once the railway becomes operational. They added that the proposal would halt further decay and give the buildings a suitable new use. “Tweed Ecology are currently undertaking a three-stage survey and their full report will be submitted shortly after the last stage survey has been concluded. No public comments had been submitted as part of the application at the time of the report. Carr’s representatives have also acknowledged that some work was carried out by the castle’s previous owners without the necessary consent, potentially requiring retrospective applications. Ayton Castle, located close to the English-Scottish border, has a long and turbulent history. The site was originally associated with a medieval fortified tower, or peel, linked to the powerful Home family. Its strategic location made it an important stronghold, and by the late 15th century it was considered one of the strongest places between Berwick and Edinburgh. The estate was later purchased by banker William Mitchell-Innes, who commissioned the present castle. His purchase of Ayton Castle also generated controversy after he initially spoke about becoming a baron and having his own tartan. Carr later clarified that he had turned down the opportunity to purchase the title. “The gates will remain open for the dog walkers and ramblers to continue enjoying the estate grounds. The spokesperson added that Carr hoped to host events at the castle to help cover its running costs while showcasing the estate and surrounding area with minimal disruption. Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
A full ecological assessment has been requested by council officers before the planning application can proceed.
