A SUSPENDED Tory councillor in Aberdeenshire has had one of his castles repossessed, in a row over loan payments.
Sebastian Leslie, whose daughter is Game of Thrones star Rose Leslie, was ordered to leave the premises of Lickleyhead Castle earlier this week.
It comes just days after he was suspended by the Scottish Tories for not paying his council tax.
The order to take back the castle was confirmed at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Thursday.
Official documents revealed the court was asked to take possession of the property, by Together Commercial Finance Limited.
The demands were agreed by Sheriff Andrew Miller.
The castle was put on the market for £1.35 million in 2015.
Selling agents said the Leslies lived in nearby Warthill Castle and had decided to sell Lickleyhead as it was “surplus to their requirements”.
The councillor was also due to appear at the civil court last week for a time-to-pay hearing.
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin ordered him to pay £4214.50 plus interest and expenses to a chartered surveyor.
But claims made in court stated only £500 has been paid towards the total bill of £4714.50 for the inspections carried out and reports prepared on Leslie’s properties.
He is understood to be about £2500 in arrears to Aberdeenshire council for council tax.
Earlier this year, the councillor said he was not paying up as a protest against corruption in the Scottish banking system.
“I will get up to date,” he told the BBC.
“Everybody has to pay their council tax, if they don’t they go to court. I have not been to court.
“I’m paying an agreed amount every month. It’s acceptable under the law, but it’s a go-slow.”
A Tory party spokesman said: “Councillor Leslie has been suspended from the Scottish Conservative Party.”
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