A large collection of surplus items from Ayton Castle, recently purchased by comedian Alan Carr, is heading to auction. Carr, who secured the Scottish Borders property for over £3.25m earlier this year, is clearing out belongings that neither he nor the previous owners wish to retain.
Among the 400 items up for sale is a “cement menagerie,” consisting of more than 90 painted concrete sculptures. Originally crafted in the 1960s by a retired joiner for his disabled son, these figures once served as a popular visitor attraction in Branxton before being relocated to the castle grounds in 2021.
The auction, conducted by Railtons, will take place at Ayton Castle on Sunday, 5 July. Potential buyers must book tickets to attend the viewing days on the preceding Friday and Saturday or the auction event itself. While most items, such as furniture and paintings, are expected to sell for modest amounts, a 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is anticipated to reach between £20,000 and £30,000. Conversely, small railway items may start as low as £10.
Jim Railton of the auction house noted that the event has already garnered significant interest both locally and abroad, promising a major gathering on the castle lawns.
