The sitcom star is believed to have previously swapped city life for a remote Scottish village, saying he loves the ‘peace and tranquility’.
Mathew Horne said he has a ‘special relationship’ with one Scots village(Image: Dave J Hogan, Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
A small Scottish village won over the heart of Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne. Worlds away from the Essex setting of his character in the beloved BBC comedy, the 47 year old star is thought to have previously swapped urban living for Helmsdale on Sutherland’s east coast.
Originally from Nottingham, the comedy actor, who also appeared in the Catherine Tate Show and Dad’s Army, was thought to split his time between professional commitments in London and a quieter, more peaceful existence in the scenic yet remote spot, reports the Mirror.
Speaking about his love for the Highlands, Mathew previously shared on That Gaby Roslin podcast that he “would very much like to live there. I am all things Scotophile.”
In a separate conversation, the performer told the Sunday Post, describing Scotland as “the best country in the world. My shoulders drop and I feel free. It is where my heart lies and hopefully one day I will have a place of my own there so I can retreat as and when I need to.”
He continued: “I love the peace and tranquillity and the people. The food is wonderful, the weather is nowhere near as bad as everybody says and midges don’t like me, so that’s good.
“Most of my downtime when I’m not working is now spent in Scotland.”
Helmsdale, a charming village along the North Coast 500 (NC500) route, provides a spectacular 516-mile journey through the magnificent landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Speaking to the Sunday Post, he revealed: “I have a very special relationship with Helmsdale. It’s partly because of discovering it when I was in the Highlands because of my ancestry through my great-great-grandparents who were from Huntly.”
He went on: “That makes me one-eighth Scottish, although I wish I was more.”
The actor has a real fondness for Scotland(Image: Getty)
The village’s history dates back to 1814 and is closely linked to the 19th-century herring boom, which delivered wealth to numerous Scottish coastal towns.
The formerly thriving harbour continues to be used by local fishermen and proves a popular destination for a picturesque stroll.
Close by sits a shingle beach boasting stunning vistas across the Moray Firth.
The settlement also features the Emigrants statue. A moving testament to the area’s troubled history, the memorial honours those who were compelled to abandon their homes and venture across the globe to begin afresh.
The pretty village is located in the Highlands (Image: Getty)
Modern-day visitors can visit The Timespan Heritage Centre, a thriving community space that contains not just a regional history museum but additionally a contemporary art programme, herb gardens, a shop, a bakery and a cafe.
Helmsdale might also prove the perfect destination for anyone fond of a drink or two.
The lovely settlement sits conveniently close to the Old Pulteney, Clynelish, Glenmorangie and Dornoch Distilleries.
