Billy to quit LA for Scotland

Billy Connolly has reportedly sold his home in Los Angeles to return to life in Scotland.

The Big Yin has sometimes been criticised by some fellow Scots for abandoning his roots for the glitzy Californian lifestyle.

But now wife Pamela Stephenson has revealed the couple planned to leave his mansion in America and live permanently at their vast Aberdeenshire estate, Candacraig House.

Speaking at a literary event in Aberdeen, the former Not The Nine O’Clock News star said: ‘She said: "I totally see this as our home now.

‘We have sold our place in Los Angeles, so this is our base. Billy and I always said we'd probably settle here

‘It's so beautiful. Our American mates can't get enough of it.’

However, The Scotsman reports that their return may have to wait until all their daughters (who are 17, 19 and 22) have grown up.

Stephenson added: ‘The plan at this point is to live there but it's difficult. We're not based in America, but we have two children who are basically American and live there.’

They bought the stunning 15-bedroom Candacraig House near Balmoral from Body Shop founder Anita Roddick for £750,000 in 1998.

He has hosted lavish parties there, with guests including Ewan McGregor, Steve Martin and Robin Williams.

But Glasgow-born Connolly has sometimes done little to endear himself to his compatriots.

Four years ago, he told an interviewer he had ‘outgrown’ Scotland, adding: ‘I hate my country for the way it holds people back, tells them they're not good enough.’

Published: 6 Oct 2005