Landlord applies to demolish brother-in-law’s home

Named Barr Bheag, the metal-clad, timber frame home situated on the hills above Taynuilt in Argyll and Bute, has been the home of Nick Charlton and Claire de Mortimer for around 13 years, The National has reported.

The Glen Lonan dwelling is located on the 4000-acre Barguillean farm, which was once owned by Charlton’s grandparents and was passed down through the family to his late sister Josephine Marshall.

Following her death 20 years ago at the age of just 34, the property passed to the Josephine Marshall Trust, with her husband Robin Marshall one of the trustees.

The Trust was taken to a specialist tribunal by Charlton and de Mortimer last year over the failure to maintain and repair their property.

Inspectors found rotted woodwork on the floor and rear door, internal damp and holes in the iron cladding.

A three-month deadline on ordered repair works was extended by a further six months in June after the landlords said they had been unable to gain access to begin.

However the property is still untouched and an application to demolish the property has now been lodged with Argyll and Bute Council.

Charlton and de Mortimer have launched the Save Barr Bheag campaign to save their home and are urging the public to email or write to the local authority to back their case.