New York couple buy Billy Connolly’s home for £3m

A NEW York businessman and his Scottish wife have been revealed as the new owners of Billy Connolly’s Scots mansion.

Billy Connolly has sold his Candacraig home. Picture: JP

Marc Lino and his wife Lynne, 44, bought Candacraig House in Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, and its surrounding estate from the Big Yin and his wife Pamela Stephenson Connolly for almost £3 million.

The couple welcomed locals into their home at the weekend to celebrate the Lonach Gathering and Games.

Both donned traditional Highland dress at a welcoming party for staff at the house.

Mr Lino, 41, is a financier from New York who currently works in Amsterdam for management consultant firm Bain & 
Company.

He married his wife, who is originally from Peterhead, in 2004 and they have two young children.

Mr Lino is the co-founder of trendy Manhattan eatery Billy’s Bakery and the couple are a fixture on the New York social scene. It is thought they plan to use the house as a retreat and also rent it out for functions and weddings.

The 12-bedroom baronial property is set in 14 acres of grounds and includes a walled garden and a croquet lawn.

Connolly, 71, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year, bought Candacraig House from Body Shop founder Anita Roddick for £590,000 in 1998. He then spent an additional £500,000 buying up the neighbouring properties for greater privacy.

During his time at the house, the comedian entertained celebrity friends there including the late Robin Williams, Steve 
Martin and Dame Judi Dench.