Unwanted Items from Alan Carr's Scottish Castle Go to Auction

Hundreds of unwanted items from a Scottish castle bought by comedian Alan Carr are being put up for sale at auction.

They include a selection of more than 90 lots from a "cement menagerie" - painted sculptures of animals, historical figures and rural scenes.

It was revealed earlier this year that the Celebrity Traitors winner had bought Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders, which was on the market for offers over £3.25m.

Now buyers can secure a part of its "residual" contents - unwanted by both Carr and the castle's former owners - which are being sold at auction next month.

The auction will take place at Ayton Castle on Sunday 5 July - with viewing on the Friday and the Saturday beforehand.

Tickets are required for both the viewing and the auction itself.

Jim Railton, of the auctioneers Railtons, explained: "Basically it's the residual contents of Ayton Castle.

"Alan Carr, as we know, has bought the castle and he's bought a certain amount of the furnishings.

"But the residual items that he doesn't want - and that the last owners of the castle don't want to take to their new house - we're selling."

One of the highlights are the lots containing the Northumberland folk art creations from the Branxton Cement Menagerie.

They were created by a retired joiner in the 1960s to entertain his disabled son.

The collection grew to more than 200 items and the auctioneers said that "what began as a father's labour of love became a much-loved visitor attraction".

It was sold and relocated to Ayton Castle in 2021 but its pieces are now being sold off to the highest bidder.

Railton said there had already been interest nationally and internationally.

"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.

"We've got about 460 lots so far."

The sale is being conducted by Railtons auctioneers and the full details are available on their website.