Community 'delighted' as Jimmy Savile's Highland cottage is finally demolished
The cottage, described as a ‘blight’ and an ‘embarrassment’, has finally been bulldozed.
The people of Glencoe are “delighted” as Jimmy Savile’s Highland cottage is finally demolished 15 years after his death.
He had owned Allt-na-Reigh on the A82 since 1998, but the property had been repeatedly vandalised and damaged by fire following revelations about the disgraced TV personality’s abuse coming to light.
Work to bulldoze the cottage began in March but could not be completed until Highland Council issued approvals including a building warrant.
Councillor Andrew Baxter, who represents Fort William and Ardnamurchan on Highland Council, said the community is pleased to finally see the “blight” on Glencoe’s picturesque landscape removed.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast, he said: “I first called for it to be demolished 12 years ago and I was ridiculed.
“We have had problems with the Savile estate, and it was sold on to another who got planning permission last year. We had hoped demolishment would come soon after, but it wasn’t to be.
“We have now arranged a demolition warrant and saw it disappear yesterday.”
Read more: In pictures: Demolition begins at Jimmy Savile's Glen Coe cottage after it was gutted by fire
Mr Baxter added: “It was a complete blight on the entryway to the beautiful Glencoe scenic area.
“It was falling down, it had been a target for vandalism, and virtually every square inch of it was covered in graffiti.
“It was an absolute eyesore and an embarrassment for people living in the area.
“They are delighted it is finally gone and we can move on from that connection with Savile.”
It is understood a new family home will now be built on the site, and Mr Baxter said the local authority has already granted planning permission for this.
Earlier this year a spokesperson for Harris Aslam, the new owner of the site, said: “We are grateful to Highland Council for their swift support in approving a demolition warrant for Allt-na-Reigh, and for their continued assistance as the project progresses.”
They added: “The site has been fully secured, and we respectfully ask members of the public to refrain from accessing the area while demolition and subsequent construction works are ongoing in the interest of safety.”
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