Comedian Alan Carr is facing accusations of cultural appropriation following his announcement that he intends to relocate permanently to Scotland and take on a Scottish barony title.
The 49-year-old television personality purchased the historic Ayton Castle earlier this year for £3.25 million and has revealed plans to create his own tartan.
Speaking on a recent podcast, Mr Carr said: “It is my home, I have bought it, and I’m selling up and moving up there. I’m 50, I want a change.”
He added: “I’ve got the survey now, and I’m waiting for the keys to come. It’s a lovely community, really small, and I want it to be magical. I’ll be a baron, and I get my own tartan.”
Comedian Alan Carr recently bought a Scottish castle
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BBCThe property, considered among Scotland’s finest baronial mansions, boasts 17 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a five-storey Great Tower, turrets, a private chapel and 106 acres of listed gardens.
Local resident Susan Cameron has voiced strong criticism of the comedian’s ambitions. She told The Daily Record: “Baron Alan Carr sounds ridiculous. I don’t like titles at all – maybe he should try for a king title instead.”
Ms Cameron also raised concerns about the broader housing crisis affecting the area.
“We’ve got enough holiday homes and second homes here, and given that most can’t even afford to get on the housing market, him having a castle as another home is grating,” she said.
Alan Carr has faced criticism for buying a Scottish castle
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The native Scot questioned why such privileges should be available to outsiders. “He shouldn’t just be ‘given’ a title. I’m Scottish born and bred and I can’t have a title or a castle,” she added.
Scottish barony titles can be purchased independently of land ownership and are recorded in the Scottish Barony Register, though they do not confer a seat in the House of Lords.
Other residents have expressed unease about what they perceive as disrespect towards Scottish heritage.
One local said: “I think it’s a bit disrespectful to Scottish people to take over an important castle and assume the titles and tartan without knowing the history behind it.”
Some social media users have accused Alan Carr of ‘cultural appropriation’
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Concerns have also been raised about potential disruption from television production. The same resident noted it “could also be frustrating for locals if they lose out on outdoor spaces while filming is going on.”
The reaction on social media has ranged from sharp criticism to humour. One user wrote: “He won’t be a baron and won’t have a tartan. That’s cultural appropriation,” the publication reports.
Another quipped that Mr Carr would become known as “the Chatty Laird.”
The television personality purchased the historic Ayton Castle earlier this year for £3.25 million
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Mr Carr has defended his vision for the estate, emphasising its focus on the local community.
Appearing on the Staying Relevant podcast with Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks, he said: “I fell in love with this castle. I’ve always wanted a castle.”
The comedian outlined plans for wildlife conservation and public engagement. “I want it filled with animals; it’s not a spa, and it’s not a hotel. When you see what I want to do with it, you’ll love it – community-based, I’ve got all this land, a bit of rewilding, looking after animals,” he explained.
A planned public meeting with residents was postponed due to overwhelming interest, with organisers seeking a larger venue.
Some locals remain optimistic about the potential boost to tourism.