top of page

Macdonald Hotels Sees A Surge In Traffic As The Traitors Inspires Castle Breaks



Scottish hotels are once again seeing a surge in online interest following the success of the BBC’s The Traitors, with new figures from Macdonald Hotels suggesting viewers are looking to turn their fascination with the show’s grand settings into real-life country house breaks.


The independent hotel group, which was founded in Scotland and now has over 30 properties across the UK, has reported a 42% increase in traffic to its hotel pages since the latest series launched, while its guide to Scotland’s famous castle hotels generated more than 30,000 impressions in less than three days.


Filmed in the Scottish Highlands, The Traitors has brought the country’s dramatic landscapes and historic architecture to a national audience. Its popularity is helping shine a spotlight on the appeal of grand country houses and historic retreats, where distinctive settings and a sense of history are central to the guest experience.


Among them is Macdonald Pittodrie House which dates back to 1480 and is set within a 2,400-acre estate near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire, at the foot of Bennachie. With traditional interiors, antique furnishings, original architectural features and sweeping countryside views, the property offers an atmospheric rural retreat surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the north-east. The hotel features 27 individually styled bedrooms, a restaurant and a cosy snug bar, providing a peaceful base for exploring Aberdeenshire.


Further south, Macdonald Houstoun House offers another distinctive take on the historic country house stay. This 16th-century tower house sits within 22 acres of woodland and landscaped grounds in West Lothian, just 25 minutes from Edinburgh. It combines antique-filled feature bedrooms and historic character with the Tower Restaurant, a cosy vaulted bar and spa and leisure facilities, making it an appealing retreat within easy reach of the capital and its historic attractions.


For those keen to experience Scotland’s dramatic natural setting for themselves, Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Resort offers a different kind of escape.


Nestled beside Loch Ard in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the four-star Highland-style hotel and resort is surrounded by wooded hills, mountains and spectacular scenery, with views across the loch towards Ben Lomond. Its 55 bedrooms and self-catering accommodation provide options for a range of stays, while its restaurant, spa and leisure facilities complement the walking routes, cycling trails and outdoor attractions nearby.


Robyn Lee, Head of Marketing at Macdonald Hotels, said:

“The success of The Traitors has captured people’s imaginations, and we’re seeing a real appetite for the kind of atmospheric, character-filled properties that viewers associate with the show."

“Our Traitors castle guide attracted more than 30,000 impressions in less than three days, and we’ve seen a 42% increase in traffic to our hotel pages since the series launched. It’s clear that people are interested in experiencing a little of that castle-inspired escapism for themselves."


“Scotland has an incredible range of historic hotels, and spectacular landscapes, and we’re excited to help guests discover their own version of that experience.”


To explore Scottish stays and plan a break visit here.



Most Read

V12 Retail Finance Q3 Data Shows Home Improvement Finance More Than Doubling

V12 Retail Finance Q3 Data Shows Home Improvement Finance More Than Doubling

New quarterly data from V12 Retail Finance shows that UK consumers continued to turn to point-of-sale finance for high-value purchases in the third quarter of 2026.

High Street Gloom as Leicester City Centre Welcomes New Openings

High Street Gloom as Leicester City Centre Welcomes New Openings

Leicester continues to buck the national narrative of high street closures as a new wave of restaurants, cafés, fashion stores and independent businesses open their doors across the city centre.

Hill Cross Furniture Raises £1,500 For Overgate Hospice

Hill Cross Furniture Raises £1,500 For Overgate Hospice

North Yorkshire furniture specialist Hill Cross Furniture has presented £1,500 to Overgate Hospice after taking on a 1,042-mile cycling challenge inspired by the team’s work on the hospice’s new Inpatient Unit.

Categories

Aug 23, 2023
2 min read

Volta Trucks, the leading and disruptive all-electric commercial vehicle manufacturer and services provider, has announced an evaluation is underway as part of the brand’s Driving Experience Programme with global transport and logistics company, DSV.


The all-electric Volta Zero will be the first zero-tailpipe emission truck on the DSV fleet. The truck will be operating from DSV’s southern hub in Purfleet and will be completing last-mile groupage deliveries in London and the Southeast. DSV will be operating the truck on routes between the hours of 06.00hrs and 19.00hrs, with overnight charging back at their main depot.


DSV is a global transport and logistics company that operates in over 80 countries and employs more than 75,000 people. As one of the leading transport and logistics providers, DSV has recognised its influential role in the industry and has raised its sustainability ambitions, committing to reach net zero emissions across its operations by 2050.


The Volta Zero Driving Experience Programme offers fleet operators the opportunity to be loaned a truck for an extended period, allowing them to understand how the production-specification all-electric medium-duty truck will integrate into their operations. Volta Trucks is now live with its Driving Experience Programme in the UK, France, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden, with more markets to follow over the coming months.


Chris Heddle, UK Sales Manager at Volta Trucks commented;

“We are delighted to see the Volta Zero operational on the roads of the UK as part of our Driving Experience Programme, and to see DSV utilising the vehicle for real-world day-to-day deliveries. At Volta Trucks, we are focused on driving towards more sustainable, safer and healthier cities and have a laser focus on accelerating the electrification of the commercial transport sector.”

John Hawksworth, Senior Director for road operation in the Domestic & Distribution at DSV added; “We have researched the possibility of facilitating electric vehicles without impacting service levels for some time and Volta Trucks has provided us with the perfect solution. We are delighted to be part of such a significant innovation in the industry and look forward to evaluating the benefits in the coming months.”


Most Read

V12 Retail Finance Q3 Data Shows Home Improvement Finance More Than Doubling

V12 Retail Finance Q3 Data Shows Home Improvement Finance More Than Doubling

New quarterly data from V12 Retail Finance shows that UK consumers continued to turn to point-of-sale finance for high-value purchases in the third quarter of 2026.

High Street Gloom as Leicester City Centre Welcomes New Openings

High Street Gloom as Leicester City Centre Welcomes New Openings

Leicester continues to buck the national narrative of high street closures as a new wave of restaurants, cafés, fashion stores and independent businesses open their doors across the city centre.

Hill Cross Furniture Raises £1,500 For Overgate Hospice

Hill Cross Furniture Raises £1,500 For Overgate Hospice

North Yorkshire furniture specialist Hill Cross Furniture has presented £1,500 to Overgate Hospice after taking on a 1,042-mile cycling challenge inspired by the team’s work on the hospice’s new Inpatient Unit.

Categories

Soccer Star Puts Recovery Down To Miracle Product

Soccer Star Puts Recovery Down To Miracle Product

Tomáš Souček, the West ham star and Czech international, has put his speedy recovery from a World Cup injury down to a product created by a military veteran.

Powering Hampshire As Chamber Unveils ‘Blueprint For Action’ Ahead Of Budget

Powering Hampshire As Chamber Unveils ‘Blueprint For Action’ Ahead Of Budget

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has revealed a comprehensive ‘blueprint for action’ to unlock vital business investment to accelerate the green energy transition.

New London Hire As Vail Williams Grows Business Rates Offering

New London Hire As Vail Williams Grows Business Rates Offering

Property consultancy Vail Williams has made a strategic appointment in its London business rates team as business continues to grow.

Recent Posts

bottom of page