There may be another mystery unfolding at Ardross Castle, and this time it has nothing to do with identifying the Traitors hiding among the Faithful.
The famous Easter Ross castle, recognised by millions as the setting for the BBC’s hit television series The Traitors, has attracted Postcode Lottery players hoping its postcode could bring them a share of a million pound prize.
The postcode IV17 0YE has become familiar to fans of the programme, and some lottery players have now chosen to enter using the castle’s address rather than their own.
Unlike the television competition, where contestants must rely on their powers of deduction and a little deception, the lottery comes down entirely to chance.
But there is a fascinating twist to this particular story, because Postcode Lottery players do not actually have to live at the postcode they choose.
They can select any eligible postcode in Britain, whether it belongs to their own street, a favourite football ground or, apparently, one of the most recognisable castles on television.
The organisers have confirmed that players have signed up using Ardross Castle’s postcode, although there is no suggestion that the castle itself has won a prize.
This October, the lottery is running a special series of seven Millionaire Street draws, with seven winning postcodes sharing £1 million each.
The month also features a total advertised prize pot of £21.3 million.
Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said:
“Millions of viewers are tuning in every week to watch the goings-on at telly’s most infamous castle.
“Now it seems people are also signing up to play the Postcode Lottery with the Ardross address.
“Faithful or traitor, everyone is welcome to sign up using whatever postcode they like.”
Set among more than 100 acres of Highland parkland near Alness, Ardross Castle has become an unlikely television landmark, drawing international attention to a corner of Easter Ross.
The 19th century building has provided the backdrop for some of British television’s most memorable moments, with its grand interiors and atmospheric surroundings playing an important part in the programme’s appeal.
And Easter Ross already has some lottery history of its own.
In June 2023, nine neighbours in nearby Tain shared a £1 million Millionaire Street prize, with individual tickets worth £83,333.
Three players received twice that amount because they held two tickets each.
Postcode Lottery says its players have raised more than £1.8 billion for charities and good causes, with a minimum of 30% of each £12.50 monthly subscription going towards charitable funding.
The outcome for Ardross Castle’s chosen postcode remains a matter of chance, with no guarantee that it will feature among the winners.
But there is something rather entertaining about a Highland castle famous for secrets, suspicion and unexpected twists becoming the focus of another game involving a potentially life changing sum of money.
For once, at least, nobody needs to be banished from the round table to discover who has won.
Details of all the prizes players have the chance to win with a monthly subscription can be found here
Players can check if their postcode is a winner on the Lottery Results page.
