Highland castle is favourite haunt of world’s rich and famous

Skibo Castle has attracted some famous visitors over the years, including former US presidents.

The castle shot to international fame and attracted a large media presence in 1990 when Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie on the 8,000-acre estate. Stars flocked to the Highland estate to celebrate the occasion, with actress Gwyneth Paltrow serving as maid of honour, as nightclub owner Piers Adam and film producer Matthew Vaughn also stood beside the couple as Mr Ritchie’s two best men.

British racing driver Dario Franchitti and American actress Ashley Judd also wed at the castle in a lavish private ceremony in 2001 – although there was fire drama on that day, too.

An electric golf buggy broke into flames minutes after the ceremony had started. Fire crews brought the blaze under control and the service was uninterrupted.

The castle also played host to pop superstar Robbie Williams, as friends and family celebrated the star’s surprise 30th. Around 50 guests gathered to join in the five-day celebration, with TV presenters Ant and Dec said to have presented a spoof version of TV show Family Fortunes.

Former presidents George HW Bush and Bill Clinton have also visited the castle, with Mr Clinton joining other famed stars such as Sean Connery in playing a round on the estate’s famed professional 18-hole golf course.