Kiltmaker to sell historic castle and scrap plan for prestige HQ

Published on Tuesday 29 April 2008 10:13

A KILTMAKER to the stars is to sell his historic Lothians castle – ending his dream of making it his company's global headquarters.

Geoffrey Nicholsby bought Duntarvie Castle in West Lothian nearly 18 years ago. He initially wanted to transform it into a five-star hotel, but later set about making it a retreat for celebrities to fly in and get kilted out.

But despite winning a lengthy fight to get planning and ancient monument consent, the 61-year-old has given up on his ambitions and instead put the remains of the castle, on the Hopetoun Estate near Winchburgh, up for sale.

With planning consent already in place for it to become a corporate headquarters – complete with its own retail, guest accommodation and helipad – selling agents expect it to be snapped up by an international firm looking to create a global HQ.

Although a complete refurbishment of the eight-acre site is needed, the castle is expected to generate seven-figure bids.

Mr Nicholsby, who now operates his headquarters from his shop at Castlehill, said he was not willing to go ahead with his plans because the five-year battle to win consent had taken too long.

He said: "The problem is it has all gone on for so long. I'm 61 now and I don't need all the hassle of starting to rebuild it. It's a bit sad but life goes on. I feel I need a bit more time off now."

Mr Nicholsby's business, Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers, which counts Robbie Williams and Sean Connery as customers, was to move its headquarters from above its shop in the High Street.

A plan to refurbish the site was initially lodged in 2003 and it was intended that visitors would be offered a discreet shopping and fitting service with an offer to stay the night in the lap of luxury.

The plans were approved by West Lothian Council but thrown out at a public inquiry. That decision was reversed, only for it to fail to achieve ancient monument consent from Historic Scotland.

Despite the consent finally being given at Christmas, Mr Nicholsby has already moved the HQ to Castlehill. He said: "It will suit someone who wants a really big headquarters. It would be like a smaller Royal Bank.

"It is a really nice, modern office that you could create within the castle. There's got to be interest. It won't just lie there."

Although no asking price has been set, Mr Nicholsby is hopeful it could attract seven figures.

Andrew Smith, who is handling the sale for agent Strutt & Parker, said: "It is extremely rare to find an historic castle this close to Edinburgh, and with full planning permission, on the open market."