Alan Carr’s Scottish Castle Faces Auction: A Collection of Unwanted Treasures

Alan Carr doesn t want them – Alan Carr, the comedian and former Celebrity Traitors winner, has recently taken ownership of Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders. Now, the comedian is parting with a range of items from the historic property, many of which were acquired by him and are set to be sold at auction. The event, scheduled for July 5th, will see over 400 objects, from artworks to furniture, available for bidding. Among these is a unique set of sculptures known as the “cement menagerie,” which has sparked interest both locally and globally.

The Origins of the Cement Menagerie

The cement menagerie, a collection of more than 200 handcrafted sculptures, traces its roots to Branxton, a village in Northumberland. Created by a retired joiner in the 1960s, these pieces were initially designed to entertain his disabled son. Over time, the collection grew in size and popularity, becoming a well-known visitor attraction in the area. In 2021, the entire menagerie was purchased by Ayton Castle’s previous owners and relocated to the castle’s grounds.

“What began as a father’s labour of love became a much-loved visitor attraction,” said Jim Railton of Railtons auctioneers. “People came from far and wide to see it, and the whole lot was bought by the previous owners of Ayton Castle.”

Though Carr has acquired the castle, he and its former owners have deemed several items unnecessary. These residual contents—now being auctioned—include the menagerie, which will be available for bidding. Railton described the event as a mix of sentimental and practical items, with many expected to fetch modest sums, while others could attract higher offers.

Auction Details and Highlights

The auction will take place at Ayton Castle on Sunday, July 5th, with public viewings on the preceding Friday and Saturday. Attendees must secure tickets for both the previews and the sale itself. Among the standout lots is a 2011 Bentley Mulsanne, a five-seater luxury car with just over 40,000 miles on the odometer. This vehicle is estimated to sell for between £20,000 and £30,000, highlighting the range of items on offer.

At the lower end of the price spectrum are two contemporary LNER railway time boards, each containing detailed information. These are expected to draw bids starting at £10 and rising to £15. One of the more affordable items is a departure board, which has been noted for its practical value and charm.

“It’s naive art,” Railton explained. “It was created by a retired joiner for his disabled son and was a well-known visitor attraction in Branxton. People came from far and wide to visit it, and the whole lot was bought by the previous owners of Ayton Castle.”

The menagerie, in particular, has drawn attention due to its artistic and historical significance. These sculptures, depicting animals, historical figures, and rural scenes, were once a local landmark. Their relocation to Ayton Castle in 2021 marked a new chapter, but now they’re being offered to the highest bidder as part of the auction’s broader collection.

A Unique Blend of History and Practicality

While the menagerie is a focal point, the auction features a diverse array of items, including paintings, textiles, and antiques. The majority of these objects are estimated to fetch just a few hundred pounds, making them accessible to a wide range of buyers. However, the presence of high-value items like the Bentley Mulsanne ensures that the event will cater to both collectors and casual participants.

Railton emphasized the scale of the sale, noting that approximately 460 lots are already cataloged. “It’s going to be a big local Borders event with a marquee on the lawn and a lot of stuff being sold,” he said. The auction is being managed by Railtons, a well-established auction house, and full details of the items are available on their website. This process underscores the transition from the castle’s former role as a family home to its new status as a marketplace for eclectic treasures.

The Castle’s Journey and Carr’s Involvement

Ayton Castle, priced at £3.25m, has a rich history that stretches back centuries. Carr, who has recently been awarded the Bafta Reality Award for his work on The Celebrity Traitors, acquired the property earlier this year. His purchase was part of a broader trend of celebrities investing in historic estates, though the current auction marks a different kind of legacy—this time, focused on the castle’s interior contents.

The decision to auction these items reflects the challenges of maintaining such a large property. Carr, while committed to preserving the castle’s heritage, has had to prioritize certain pieces, leaving the rest to be sold. This approach ensures that the collection remains accessible to a wider audience, even as it transitions from its original purpose as a family artifact to a public auction.

A Cultural and Economic Shift

For the former owners of Ayton Castle, the auction represents a significant step in their move to a new home. The residual items they no longer wish to take with them, combined with Carr’s personal preferences, have created a unique opportunity for buyers to acquire rare and nostalgic objects. Railton highlighted the cultural impact of the menagerie, noting its transformation from a private project into a shared legacy.

The auction also serves as a testament to the castle’s evolving role in the community. By offering its contents to the public, Ayton Castle is not only shedding its previous furnishings but also inviting new stories to be woven into its history. This event has already generated national and international interest, with potential buyers from across the UK and beyond.

As the sale approaches, the blend of historical significance and practical value continues to attract attention. Whether one is drawn to the artistic sculptures, the vintage car, or the everyday objects, the auction offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have lived in and around Ayton Castle over the years. It remains to be seen which items will find new homes and which will become the next chapter in the castle’s storied past.

In summary, the auction of Ayton Castle’s contents is more than a simple disposal of old items—it is a celebration of the property’s rich history and a chance for the public to engage with its unique collection. With over 400 lots up for bidding, this event promises to be a blend of nostalgia, artistry, and opportunity for those willing to explore the treasures left behind.