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Billy Connoly’s north-east mansion is sold

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Billy Connolly’s Aberdeenshire castle has been sold.

The new owner of Candacraig House, near Bellabeg in Strathdon, paid almost £3million for the comedian’s 17th-century mansion, which went on the market last year.

The B-listed Baronial 12-bedroom property – set in 14 acres of grounds, with a staff cottage, gate lodge, old engine house, walled garden and loch – changed hands at the end of last month.

It is understood the buyer also snapped up Candacraig Square, four cottages in a renovated stable yard, to ensure complete privacy.

Last night, estate agents Savills said it could not divulge any details about who had bought the scenic Aberdeenshire retreat, but confirmed it was no longer on the market.

Affectionately known as the Big Yin, Mr Connolly put Candacraig up for sale in September amid rumours he was planning a move south of the border.

Just days later, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with both prostate cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

He has since undergone surgery to treat the cancer and has being treated for the “initial symptoms” of Parkinson’s.

The Glaswegian star and his wife, New Zealand-born actress and psychologist Pamela Stephen, became north-east residents in 1998.

Mr Connolly has entertained a host of Hollywood stars at Candacraig including Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor and Dame Judi Dench.

In 2012, the couple began renting out the property – which was previously owned by Body Shop founder Anita Roddick – to corporate firms for up to £4,000 a night.

However, the comedian ensured the castle was free for his own use at certain times of the year, primarily for the Lonach Gathering at which he became a famous face over the years.

It is not known if the sale will have any effect on the future of the historic event – or whether Mr Connolly will attend the gathering again.

Pictures released last year by Savills showcased the mansion in all its exuberant splendour, with tartan decor and wood panelling stealing the show in most of the rooms.

The main house features 12 bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, four reception rooms, a billiard room and library.

Jamie Macnab, from the selling agents, said that “money had been lavished on it over the years”.