The Traitors US divides opinion – but Ardross Castle in Easter Ross still very much catching the eye as a 'star' of the show

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THE back-stabbing antics of a colourful cast of characters ready to 'murder' each other at an Easter Ross castle in a bid to secure a share of a $250,000 prize pot is dividing public opinion.

But it is doing no harm at all to the pulling power of the Easter Ross castle where it is set or the efforts to enhance the Highlands as a visitor attraction to a global TV audience.

The Traitors US was filmed at Ardross Castle and follows hot on the heels of a hit UK version – shot at the same venue – that became a massive word-of-mouth hit over the festive season.

No idea what it's all about? Here's the blub: "Twenty of America’s most cunning contestants, a mix of famous faces and everyday Americans, play the ultimate murder mystery game of deception and suspicion. Hosted by award-winning actor Alan Cumming at an ancient castle in Scotland, they will work together on exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000. But hidden amongst the Faithful contestants are the Traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves, all the while remaining undetected."

The stunning setting – and some of the games chosen to boost that prize pot – remain the familiar fixtures in the reality TV show.

Award-winning actor Alan Cumming clearly enjoys hamming it up as host of the American version whereas Claudia Winkleman won over a new army of fans as presenter of the British version.

The castle is not open to the public but it is available for exclusive hire, for both corporate and private clients – and interest is sure to rocket with the latest exposure.

Revealing the importance of setting, Scotland's Garden and Landscape Heritage, a registered charity that aims to promote and protect Scotland’s historic garden and designed landscape heritage, tweeted of the first series: 'Has anyone been watching #TheTraitors ? We loved getting some glimpses of the beautiful garden and designed landscape at Ardross Castle amidst the reality gameshow!'

Natalia Yalden summer up the feelings of many when she tweeted: 'Top things to take away from #TheTraitors 1 - The Scottish Highlands really are the most stunning place 2 - I want to visit #ardrosscastle 3 - @ClaudiaWinkle is without question the best and nicest presenter, utter legend 4 - How I can apply for next year? Brilliant TV!'

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Diana Macleod tweeting as @diz16 earlier observed: 'Not sure if I’m hating or loving #Traitors but I’m still glued to it and the lovely scenery from Ardross castle a few miles from home.'

It was a similar story for Marianne Robinson: 'My stamping ground will be back on TV again – starting on @BBCiPlayer tomorrow night. #TheTraitorsUS This time with Alan Cumming hosting and American contestants. I have to admit to watching it primarily to see #ArdrossCastle, its grounds and our local area.'

She earlier observed: 'It has been quite something to see my home stamping ground on the telly these past weeks. The secret is now out on how beautifully stunning it is. There's not a day goes by that Im not thankful for where I was raised/live #TheTraitors #ArdrossCastle #EasterRoss'.

Eilidh McNaughton tweeting as @EilidhCochrane stated: 'So do we reckon @ClaudiaWinkle just handed over the cloaks to Alan on her way out the castle?? Ardross is raking it in! #TraitorsUS #Traitors'.

Diane Dredger: 'I was expecting different challenges, would of kept it fresh. How could you not love that castle setting though!'

Emma Bardo: 'Yes the castle is still beautiful.'

Not everyone is thrilled.

@ollie2897: 'Wait so half the players in #TraitorsUS are minor celebrities that have been on or won other reality shows??! Kind of disappointed all the challenges are *exactly* the same too'.

@KershawHarry was also left a little non-plussed: 'Just started watching Traitors US. Is it exactly the same? Same tasks? Same castle? Same lakes? #TraitorsUS'.

Rhys Howell as @Ghop56 stated: 'Watching #TraitorsUS and all I'm thinking so far is: What y'all doing in Claudia's castle? That's her gaffe.'

Comments on the inability of the cast to spell contestant Geraldine's name on the Round Table section of the show – about five variations – raised many an eyebrow. It was much misspelt as she the fingers started to point in her direction as a potential traitor with some simply resorting to scrawling the letter 'G' on the dreaded slate of accusation.

@flustrated41 was unimpressed: "#TraitorsUS they've assembled the dumbest group of people to play this game. They vote for people they don't like instead of people who might actually be traitors. They deserve to be tricked.'

The view of the host – who has played a Bond villain amongst many roles – also divides. @adelleywelley tweeted: 'Utterly obsessed by the way Alan Cumming says 'dollars'. It's adorable #TraitorsUS #Binge"

Paddy Jordan though tweeted: 'Just starting second episode now…I’ll see it through but and I never thought I’d say this, I miss Claudia…' Of Alan Cumming: 'I’m not enjoying him…I know he is Scottish and he is in Scotland but it’s like he’s trying too hard to be Scottish…'

@Skwirble commented: "Oh... Not a fan of how The Traitors US is being OTT Scottish and I'm only 15 minutes in. Even Scottish Alan Cumming (who I adore) is putting on an *extra* accent and playing a role instead of himself - AND there's basically a Groundskeeper Willie running around."

Ryan Smith echoed the feelings of many when he suggested celebrities should not have been thrown into the contestant mix: 'Ordinary people that have a reason to try win the money is far more watchable'.

Robert Campbell stated: 'Not unwatchable - just very different. Traitors UK was a fascinating study in slow but gripping TV - where things built over time & it showed our inherent pleasantness & more polite/generally reserved culture. TUS is brash, shlock entertainment & a hoot. Think because we can binge it feels different too.'

Have you been hooked or left unimpressed? Do you think it will provide a boost for the area or not? Leave a message or drop us a line to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk

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