Scotland's Home of the Year makes a dash into the bold

Alison Rowat

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Maybe it’s being up against University Challenge in the schedules, but Scotland’s Home of the Year ain’t half becoming educational these days. 

In a mere half an hour the show touched upon the wisdom of cookery writer Elizabeth David, the arts and crafts movement, and that all-important curtains question: just touching the floor or piled in a heap? And all while visiting three homes in the North East and Northern Isles. 

(Warning: spoilers ahead.)

First on the viewing list was Harbour View, a three-level, Icelandic-style house in Stromness, Orkney, with blue walls and bright red doors. “I love it when a house matches my lipstick,” said judge Anna Campbell-Jones. 

(Image: Simon and Amanda at their Icelandic-style home in Stromness, Orkney. IWC Media/BBC Scotland)

The barn-like doors hinted that the weather was not always sunny and calm. But if you were looking for a stylish place to spend any season this home would be perfect - albeit with certain caveats. As judge Banjo Beale noted, the hallway’s floor-length windows looking out to sea made “nudey runs” difficult if any ferries were passing. 

Nudey runs? As if passengers on Scotland’s ferries haven’t got enough to contend with. 

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“Oh, I think I can see the kitchen through there. Shall we take a look,” said judge Danny Campbell, changing the subject quickly.

While the kitchen was tiny compared to the rest of the house, Anna reminded viewers of cookery writer Elizabeth David’s maxim: all you need is one metre of prep space and Bob’s your uncle and Fanny your aunt. Okay, perhaps David didn’t add the last bits, but we got the gist. 

From Orkney it was on to Richmond House, an early Victorian former farmhouse in Peterhead. Painter and decorator Roy moved there with his late wife, Julie, in 2021.

Julie, a SHOTY fan from the start, had been waiting till the home was finished before applying to take part, but it was not to be. “We’re doing it for her,” said daughter Victoria.

The house was a masterclass in art deco and allowing your design taste free rein. Anna delighted in the range of objects and styles, saying it was like being in a cabinet of curiosities, but for Danny it was a slight case of sensory overload. 

Last stop was Hilltop House outside Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire, home to Chris, Jessica (from California), their son Chase and dogs Enzo and Dino. 

The house was a vast swathe of black, accessed by a bright pink front door, with the bold choices a sign of the interiors to come. The concrete floors, the raised living room, the couches - there was nothing the judges didn’t ooh and ah over. Danny took the chance to bone up on curtain length etiquette, which here was long and “slumped” on the floor. 

(Image: Homeowner Roy and his daughter Victoria outside Richmond House, Peterhead. IWC Media/BBC Scotland)

“It’s a controversial subject,” said Anna. “As long as it looks intentional, it’s fine.” So next time someone gives your curtains a dirty look, point that person in Anna’s direction. 

Hilltop House was a showstopper, earning a trio of tens from the judges - the second in the series, and we’re only two regions in.  Next week: the East.