An unexpected side effect of the BBC’s popular reality show The Traitors – filmed in Ardross Castle on the banks of the River Alness, north of Inverness – is a fresh surge in Highlands tourism.
With this year’s series recently concluding with a win for the format’s ‘good guys’ The Faithfuls, Highlands businesses have been winning too, with the Trainline rail booking app reporting that trips via Inverness have surged 69% since the show began.
With three hotels in the Highlands – the Ballachulish Hotel, the Isles of Glencoe and the Kingshouse Hotel – the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has welcomed this trend, and highlighted its latest Winter Escapes offer of 25% off stays booked by this weekend.
CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, Stephen Leckie, said: “We’ve always known that the Highlands are truly special, so it’s great to see so many people being inspired to visit and experience the region for themselves after watching The Traitors.
“Our hotels are perfectly placed for guests to immerse themselves in the dramatic landscapes and rich history of the area – whether it’s exploring Glencoe, taking in the lochside views at Ballachulish, or simply enjoying the warmth of our Highland hospitality.”
The Ballachulish Hotel and the Isles of Glencoe Hotel are located on the banks of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven respectively. While The Traitors’ Ardross Castle may be a few hours away, Leckie pointed out that the imposing Castle Stalker is located on Loch Linnhe and is well worth a visit.
The Ballachulish Hotel itself, built just a few years after Ardross Castle, dates from the same period and features the same striking baronial style.
Another nearby bucket list item is the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct— star of the opening credits of The Traitors, as well as the Harry Potter film series, which is always Instagram-worthy.
Turning to The Kingshouse Hotel, in Glencoe, a 40-minute trip from Fort William and an hour away from Oban, Leckie noted that James Bond fans might enjoy a drive to retrace 007’s footsteps to the nearby Loch Etive, where Skyfall was filmed.
