An infamous home in Scotland that was owned by Jimmy Savile has gone up in flames with fire crews at the scene in Glencoe with huge flames seen lighting up the sky
Jimmy Savile’s Scottish lair has gone up in flames with fire crews battling large flames at the scene.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to the blaze in Glencoe just after 5.30pm. A spokesperson said: “We were called at 17:36 and have three pumps in attendance.”
Flames can be seen lighting up the sky along with billowing smoke from the infamous Allt-na-Reigh cottage and police have said the extent of the fire has led to the closing of the A82 in both directions with drivers told to avoid the area.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The A82 is closed in both directions between Tyndrum and Ballachulish Bridge following a report of a fire at a property around 5.40pm on Saturday, 8 February, 2025. Emergency services are in attendance and drivers are asked to avoid the area.”
Savile, presenter of Top of the Pops and Jim’ll Fix It, was exposed as one of Britain’s most prolific and high-profile sex offenders after his death in 2011. From 1998 until the day he died, he lived in Allt-na-Reigh cottage, a home situated right on the A82 and opposite the Three Sisters of Glencoe.
Up to 20 of his victims were abused in this home, it is believed. The house has been set to be demolished after failed redevelopment plans and years of vandalism – with councillors approving the demolition last July after it was dubbed “a stain on Scotland’s most outstanding landscape”.x
The home was bought by Harris Aslam in 2021, the director of Green’s grocery chain. His aim was to build a brand new home in honour of mountaineer Hamish MacInnes who had previously lived in the home, and is known for creating the ‘Pterodactyl’ ice-axe and the eponymous MacInnes stretcher. MacInnes died in 2020 and is named one of Scotland ’s “greatest ever climbers”, who caused major advancements in mountain rescue efforts thanks to his inventions.
After Savile’s death in 2011, the small two-bedroom bungalow was put up for auction and purchased for £212,000 by someone who intended to move in. It was later purchased by Mr Aslam’s family, and over the years has seen slogans and graffiti – including “paedo” and “Jimmy the beast” – daubed on the sides.
The cottage has become a morbid tourist attraction for thousands of people with the property having been broken into on many occasions. It’s poor condition, with the building falling to pieces has also meant it is a health and safety concern. The interior has broken glass as well as debris from smashed-down walls and roofing.
