The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Clan castle repossessed
Sebastian Leslie forced out of home
A scandal-hit clan chief has been forced to leave his family’s 16th Century castle after it was repossessed by creditors.
Sebastian Leslie, who is also an Aberdeenshire councillor, was found to have defaulted on a loan following a hearing at the city’s civil court on Thursday.
The news comes just days after his ban by the Tories – until June – when he was judged to have damaged the party’s reputation by not paying council tax.
Mr Leslie claimed he was protesting against the Scottish banking system.
However, it is now understood Mr Leslie and his wife Candy have been forced to leave Lickleyhead Castle, which dates back to about 1560.
The pair, who are the parents of Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie, had rented it out on accommodation website Airbnb and lived in another property nearby.
But Sheriff Andrew Miller granted a decree for the repossession of the castle following an application from Together Commercial Finance Ltd.
The firm asked the court to find Mr Leslie in default for failing to comply with calling-up notices – a legal document ending a mortgage agreement, requiring repayment of all of the outstanding loan.
The court was asked to rule the firm had the right to enter into possession and sell the facility, which has been a popular spot for weddings, as well as the Gardeners or Gamekeepers Cottage and land at Premnay, Insch.
The sheriff also ruled that Mr Leslie, his family and anyone else occupying the castle should leave, and to allow officers of the court to eject the occupants and their goods.
He was not present for the hearing, but submitted an email confirming there was no objection. It comes after he was also due to appear at the civil court last week for a time-to-pay hearing.
The West Garioch councillor was absent and Sheriff Morag McLaughlin granted a decree ordering him to pay £4,214.50 plus interest and expenses to a chartered surveyor.
Court documents prepared by John Fraser, the claimant, stated £500 had been paid towards the total bill of £4,714.50 for inspections carried out and reports prepared on Mr Leslie’s properties.
The councillor now sits as an Aligned Independent on the ruling coalition after his initial suspension earlier this year.
Mr Leslie did not respond to requests for comment.
“Mr Leslie and his wife have been forced to leave Lickleyhead”