Scottish Castles Association

Inchdrewer Castle, near Banff, in Scotland has been bought by a Russian lady who promises to restore it from ruin to a habitable home. Although she has not yet been to Scotland, the former Valentino and Versace model, Olga Roh, and her Swiss husband says they plan to use the castle as a boutique hotel and a holiday home for their family and friends. She said: "At the moment, it is beautiful from the outside but there is nothing much when you open it up. We have a lot of work to do." The castle was bought for around £400.000, along with the title of Baron of Baroness, and transforming the interior could cost up to £1.5 million.

Inchdrewer Castle is believed to have been built in the early to mid 16th Century and has a colourful history, including an attack by the Duke of Cumberland in 1746 when hunting for Bonnie Prince Charlie. In Scotland, the title of Baron is a rank of the ancient feudal nobility and refers to a holder of land. Olga says: "I am not keen to shut out the local community as it is part of their history and I do not want to take that away from them. I have great respect for culture and history."

All we can say is, Olga, we wish you well and we hope you and your family join the Scottish Castles Association.