BBC's 'Traitors' Castle Built on Opium Smuggling Fortune

Ardross Castle, the historic Scottish estate serving as the filming location for both the UK and US versions of the reality competition show "The Traitors," was financed by a fortune amassed through opium smuggling in the 19th century. The BBC, which broadcasts the show, has been criticized for omitting or downplaying this aspect of the castle's history in its own documentation.

Sir Alexander Matheson, a railway entrepreneur and British China merchant, acquired Ardross Castle in 1845. His wealth was derived from his involvement with Jardine Matheson, a firm he co-established with his uncle, Sir James Matheson. This company operated one of the most successful opium smuggling operations in the world, trafficking significant quantities of the drug from China to British-controlled India.

According to Neil Sinclair, co-author of a biography on Sir Matheson, the businessman had "no qualms" about his involvement in the opium trade, which was considered legitimate by the British government at the time, despite the Chinese government's opposition.

A BBC article detailing the castle's history briefly mentions Matheson's success in China and his role in developing Highland railways, but omits any reference to his opium dealings. A contestant from "Celebrity Traitors," who requested anonymity, told The Times that the BBC seemed hesitant to acknowledge the castle's connection to the drug trade. "It is more convenient for them to allow that part of the castle's past to remain firmly under wraps. The history is undeniable, but that's not the story they want to tell," the contestant stated.

Sir Matheson's business ventures also included establishing a newspaper that detailed the prices and availability of opium to potential buyers. The firm Jardine Matheson played a significant role in the historical opium trade between China and India.