New contenders sought for Scotland's Home of the Year show

Your home is your castle, whether it’s a wee but and ben, a sprawling period mansion or a modern marvel. But is it stylish? Does it epitomise cutting-edge design and architectural excellence?

If you think the answer is yes, then you now have a chance to put the place where you lay your hat up against some of the coolest, quirkiest and most elegantly curated residences across Scotland in a bid to be crowned the best in the country.

BBC Scotland has announced it will make a fourth series of the successful show Scotland’s Home of the Year, also known as SHOTY, with the third series currently airing on BBC1.

The production team is now searching for entrants to take part in the 10-part series, with filming due to begin this summer.

People from across Scotland who believe their abode epitomises creative flair and impeccable taste are being sought to take part in a new series of the successful BBC show Scotland's Home of the Year

They are calling for homeowners of properties of all shapes, sizes and types based anywhere from Lerwick to Lockerbie, Stornoway to St Andrews and Glasgow to Galashiels.

They say it could be a croft or a castle, a country cottage or contemporary flat, a city dwelling or somewhere by the sea, as long as you think it embodies “design, style and amazing architecture”.

The contenders will be split into nine regional heats, before an overall winner is chosen in the final reckoning by the show’s regular judges.

Hugh Berry's restored Victorian flat in Glasgow's West End was crowned Scotland's Home of the Year in 2020

Judge and interior designer Anna Campbell-Jones has expressed her delight at the success of the show and the news that a fourth series is in the pipeline.

She says she has been “blown away by the hugely joyful response” from audiences.

“We love being the viewers’ eyes, sharing our experience of all these incredible homes,” she said.

“The quality and variety of homes has increased exponentially with each series – goodness knows what levels series four will bring.”

Lifestyler blogger and fellow judge Kate Spiers added: “In our previous searches for Scotland's Home of the Year we've been lucky enough to see some of the most spectacular spaces in the country – impressive buildings with immaculate interiors and charming homes full of character.

“Next series I want to find a home that speaks to me on an aesthetic level, somewhere that is both beautifully designed but also has the personality and passion of the homeowner behind it.”

Architect Michael Angus, who completes the judging panel, said: “It’s fantastic that Scotland’s Home of the Year series four is going ahead.

“Another wonderful opportunity to explore our beautiful country, to seek out more amazing homes and be invited to share these inspirational discoveries.”

A lovingly restored Victorian flat in Glasgow’s West End scooped the SHOTY title in 2020

Owner Hugh Berry, an interior designer and gilder, says coming out top in the Glasgow and Clyde Valley heat was in itself a moment of “great pride” for him but he was “absolutely blown away” to win overall.

“It was a big shock,” he said. “I nearly fell off my shoes.”

The Park Terrace apartment – which boasts two bedrooms, an ornate rotunda with a glass roof and stunning sitting room with hand-gilded cornicing – moved judge Campbell-Jones to tears when she first stepped inside.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven’t already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.