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The Traitors: Inside the stunning Highlands castle where hit TV show is filmed

Built in the 19th century 30 miles north of Inverness, Ardross Castle provides a stunning backdrop for the popular BBC series.

Ardross Castle makes a dramatic setting for the tension packed television programme. Image: Ardross Castle
Ardross Castle makes a dramatic setting for the tension packed television programme. Image: Ardross Castle

The Traitors quickly became a hit for the BBC when season one aired last year.

And the anticipation is set to start all over again when season two airs tonight on BBC One from 9pm.

The reality show has returned to the Highlands with Claudia Winkleman and 22 new faces, and the spectacular Ardross Castle is the backdrop once again.

Where is The Traitors filmed?

Built in the 19th century, the castle is located at Ardross Estate, 10 miles inland from Alness and 30 miles north of Inverness.

Designed in the Scottish Baronial style, it is set within beautiful formal gardens and more than 100 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Alness.

Ardross Castle is located 30 miles north of Inverness. Graphic by Roddie Reid/DC Thomson

The castle and estate are privately owned and despite hosting wedding and private events, tours and individual visits are not available.

However, the P&J can bring you a sneak peek of the dream location the contestants enjoy as the series is made.

Ardross Castle is picture perfect location for hit show

The origins of the majestic castle go back to the late 1700s, when the first Duke of Sutherland bought Ardross and built a hunting lodge.

Ardross Castle, where The Traitors BBC series is filmed, was erected in the 19th century. Supplied by Ardross Castle

In 1845, the estate was sold by the second duke to tea and opium trader Alexander Matheson for a total of£90,000.

Tours and individual visits are not available. Supplied by Ardross Castle
Currently owned by the McTaggart family, it has dozens of rooms. Supplied by Ardross Castle

During Matheson’s ownership, Scottish architect and Inverness Provost Alexander Ross (1834-1925) was commissioned to re-design Ardross Castle in the Scots Baronial style, incorporating the earlier mansion and adding 30 rooms.

The castle can be hired as a wedding venue and for certain events. Supplied by Ardross Castle
The castle has been extensively renovated since 1983. Supplied by Ardross Castle.

In 1898, Alexander’s son, Sir Kenneth Matheson, sold the estate to Highland Light Infantry captain C. W. Dyson Perrins.

The castle is on the banks of the River Alness. Supplied by Ardross Castle

The origins of the castle go back to the 18th century. Supplied by Ardross Castle.

The estate was broken up and sold in 1937, when Mr and Mrs Austin Mardon purchased Ardross Castle and lived there for over 45 years until 1983.

Ardross Castle is located just 30 miles from Inverness. Supplied by Ardross Castle.
The castle is an example of the Scottish Baronial style. Supplied by Ardross Castle.

The estate was then bought by its current owners, the McTaggart family, who have since undertaken extensive renovations.

BBC series The Traitors is set up in this beautiful Highland castle. Supplied by Ardross Castle

The Traitors’ second series to air tonight

The Highlands-based BBC series The Traitors will air tonight at 9pm on BBC One.

With more than 34 million views on BBC iPlayer, the Traitors’ first series was a hit across the UK.

This second series will see the Highlands represented as two Inverness women will be among the 22 “traitors” and “faithful” contestants in the hunt for the £120,000 prize.