Scotland tears down Savile’s lair once dubbed monument to evil

The wrecked former home of Jimmy Savile has finally been demolished after it was revealed the dilapidated cottage in Glencoe, Scotland, was being left to fall apart.

The derelict former residence of Jimmy Savile in Glencoe, Scotland, has finally been torn down.

In February, it was revealed how the dilapidated cottage on the A82 was being left to decay despite a pledge by the new owner to demolish it. It was also disclosed that retail magnate Harris Aslam had not yet secured the necessary building warrant for demolition.

Highland Council was contemplating taking enforcement measures to compel Aslam to flatten the eyesore in the heart of stunning Glencoe.

Earlier this month, that application was lodged and approved, meaning the cottage could finally be razed - and this week the demolition was finally completed.

Photographs taken on Thursday afternoon revealed the home - where Savile abused many victims - reduced to a mound of rubble.

Vehicles could be spotted driving past a cordoned off area where the home used to stand in the remote scenic location. Demolition work initially commenced at the property in the heart of the glen a year ago, reports the Daily Record.

This was welcomed, as the building was viewed as a monument to his evil. It was almost immediately stopped, though, and the site deteriorated into an even worse condition.

It was set ablaze and fluorescent graffiti contributed to the mess. The bulk of the building has now finally been demolished, with just the final remnants requiring clearance before a completion certificate can be issued.

A spokesperson for Highland Council stated: "As of February 24, 2026, a Building Warrant was approved for demolition (26/00215/DOM4) - full details of which are on the Council’s building standards website. There is currently no completion certificate listed for 26/00215/DOM4." The plans indicate that it would cost approximately £8,000 to dismantle floors and walls.

Earlier this month, a representative for Aslam, who operates the Greens store chain, expressed: "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.

"Demolition works are now under way in accordance with all approved planning permissions and building warrant consents.

"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."

The Record disclosed that planning officials were requested in February to issue an "amenity notice" on Aslam. However, he proactively submitted a new application for demolition and plans to construct a luxurious residence on the site.

The plans will preserve the external byre, maintained in tribute to mountaineer Hamish MacInnes who previously owned the home. Paedophile Savile possessed Allt-na-Reigh for roughly 13 years until his death in 2011.

The infamous DJ and TV presenter was the focus of speculation for numerous years regarding his abuse. The allegations were only substantiated after his demise, when a flood of victims came forward.

Savile was a familiar figure in Glencoe village, where he would sport a kilt. He was known to spend hours at his front door, waving at tourists.