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Scotland has been in the spotlight as the second series of The Traitors took over our TV screens, presented by Claudia Winkleman and based on the Dutch series De Verraders. 22 ordinary Brits picked were up and dropped off at a Scottish castle, with £120,000 up for grabs should they make it to the end.
The Traitors
They say betrayal tastes like haggis, but in the gripping TV series "Traitors," it simmers with intrigue amidst the misty glens and rugged peaks of the Scottish Highlands. Forget sun-kissed beaches and bustling cities, this reality show trades palm trees for ancient castles and sandy shores for treacherous lochs, where loyalties crumble faster than a shortbread under a sledgehammer.
Imagine 22 strangers, thrown into the brooding beauty of Ardross Castle, 30 miles north of Inverness and built in the 19th century in Scottish Baronial style set within over 100 acres of stunning parkland. Previously a hunting lodge for the 1st Duke of Sutherland, Ardross Castle has been privately owned by the McTaggart family since 1983. Whispers of "Faithful" and "Traitor" echo through the stone halls, paranoia hangs thicker than the highland mist, and alliances shift like the wind whipping through the heather.
Each day dawns with a new mission, testing alliances and tempting trust. Will they conquer the terrifying helicopter jump and speeding boat across Loch Glass, secrets tumbling out like pebbles into the murky depths? Or will they unravel the mysteries hidden within the imposing walls of Ardross Castle, each twist and turn unveiling another hidden motive? Past clan battles and ancient legends set the backdrop.
But "Traitors" isn't just about backstabbing and betrayals. The series paints a breathtaking portrait of Scotland, where every frame shows off the raw, untamed beauty of the Highlands. Claudia Winkleman sets the scene and the challenges each day dressed head to toe in some stunning knitwear, tweeds and plaid. Our top picks include a longline herringbone tweed jacket, chunky knit sweater, and a mohair plaid mini skirt. We may not have dressed Claudia for the show, maybe next time, but we do have our own beautiful variations so you can recreate her style.
Of course, no highland adventure is complete without a dram or two. So raise a toast to the cunning Faithfuls, who must sniff out the Traitors like a good single malt sniffs out a peat fire. And cheer for the Traitors, weaving webs of deceit as intricate as the tartan kilts they wear.
"Traitors" is more than just a reality show; it's a love letter to Scotland, where the drama unfolds as spectacularly as the scenery. It's a journey through mist-shrouded valleys and windswept plains, where the line between loyalty and betrayal is as thin as the tartan threads themselves. So pull on a cosy knit, settle in, pour yourself a dram, and let the Highlands captivate you with their tales of trust, treachery, and breathtaking beauty. Just remember, behind every friendly smile, a dagger of deceit might be poised. After all, this is Scotland, and in the land of kilts and castles, you never know who you can trust.
- Adross Castle - Sylvia Duckworth on via Wikimedia Commons
- Scottish Highlands - Johnny Briggs on Unsplash
The Traitors Series 3
After Harry Clark took the jackpot in series 2 we are very excited that Traitors has returned to our screens to liven up the dark January nights. Claudia Winkleman welcomes a whole new set of Faithfuls including a former British Diplomat, a swimming teacher from County Wicklow, a translator from Cardiff, an interior designer, a politics student and Jack the market trader who has to be our favourite as he his jacket is lined in tartan in his profile picture, despite him hailing from Yorkshire.
Claudia promised us "more knitwear", "quite a lot of tweed" and a twist to keep us all on the edge of our seats. So far her penchant for fingerless gloves has been on show and her stylist Sinead McKeefry has not disappointed with a tweed blazer the star of the show as the cast of The Traitors arrive at the Castle. Episode 2 features our favourite heritage design and a gorgeous fairisle sweater.
Shop Claudia's Look
The Traitors US
The US version of 2022's best reality show does not disappoint, headed up by Alan Cumming, resplendent in a whole variety of Plaid Suits. The show is based on the Dutch series De Verraders and the cast a bit different from the UK version with normal people, mixed in with some past reality TV stars from shows like Below Deck and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Well it wouldn't be America without some glitz and glamour would it? You can watch the series back to catch the heated gossip and fairly explosive personal attacks between contestants as they try to work out who are The Faithfuls and who are The Traitors. It is a quite different show but equally as entertaining! Let us know which one you love best. Most importantly both versions are filmed at the stunning Ardross Castle, set amidst 100 acres of picturesque parkland on the banks of the river Alness. This iconic Scottish venue was first owned by the Duke of Sutherland from the late 1700s until 1845, when the second Duke of Sutherland sold to Sir Alexander Matheson. Sir Alexander had the castle remodelled in the beautiful Scottish Baronial style of today by architect Alexander Ross. Today Ardross is owned by the McTaggart family and if you have the budget you can rent the space for a dream wedding or special occasion.
