Hunterston House was back on tv screens for the second festive period running as it featured in a children’s drama and comedy from the creative mind of comedian David Walliams.
The historic building in Hunterston Estate doubled up as ‘Twilight Towers’ in the entertaining tv programme ‘Granpa’s Great Adventure’ during the New Year, based on the novel of the same name.
Starring big names including Absolutely Fabulous’s Jennifer Saunders, David Walliams, and Sir Tom Courtenay, it tells the story of Grandpa, a World War II flying ace, who sadly suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
He is moved to an old people’s home called Twilight Towers when his family can no longer look after him.
When it becomes clear that the woman who runs Twilight Towers - Miss Dandy - has some sneaky ideas up her sleeve, it is up to Grandpa and his grandson Jack to make a daring escape.
Filming took place in late October and early November at Hunterston, with the film and production unit based at the car park to Largs Yacht Haven.
Hunterston House, just south of Fairlie, featured prominently throughout ‘Granpa’s Great Escape’ including the daring madcap getaway for Granpa and his friends from the evil clutches of Twilight Towers.
Last year, BBC1’s Jonathan Creek also filmed at the same location, while other tv shows have also used the venue over the years including Rebus, and a drama on All Creatures Great and Small author James Herriot.
Ironically, while Granpa’s Great Escape was filming, just a few miles away at Portencross, Star Trek’s Chris Pine (Captain Kirk) was also starring in a tv programme for Netflix ‘The Outlaw King’ as Robert The Bruce.