Where is The Traitors filmed? Inside the Scottish castle where season 2 takes place

HIT BBC reality show The Traitors is returning to TV screens tonight for its second series.

Claudia Winkleman returns to host the new series of the tense offering, with a whole new cast of contestants ready for a season of twists, turns and betrayal.

The first series saw competitors split, with secret traitors tasked with "murdering" the other faithful contestants.

This year, 22 contestants will be in the battle of wits to win £120,000.

They will have to complete a series of tasks each day, they finish the evenings with a round table where they have to find the traitors and "banish" them from the game.

But it's not just the game which has viewers gripped, but the stunning location too.

Here's what you need to know about the filming location.

Where is The Traitors filmed?

The popular BBC show is filmed in the nineteenth-century Ardross Castle, around 25 miles north of Inverness.

The Scottish Highlands castle is set within beautiful formal gardens and over 100 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Alness, which features in the first series of the show.

The US version of The Traitors, hosted by Scot Alan Cumming, is also filmed at the castle.

It was originally the site of a hunting lodge built in the 18th century by the 1st Duke of Sutherland.

The land was sold in 1845 and some time later the Baronial style castle that exists today was built.

Ardross Castle was bought by the McTaggart family in 1983 and they carried out renovations to the site.

It's now a stunning privately run venue which hosts weddings and events, it is also used for filming and photo shoots.

Can you visit the castle?

If you are a huge fan of the show and want to go visit the castle then you can as it's available to hire.

However, this is only for parties and corporate events, no individual visits are allowed.

If your workplace wants to hire the site for some team-building then Ardross Castle offers group activities including bike riding and guided walks.

The first episode of series two airs on BBC One at 9pm tonight, with the following two episodes available on iPlayer immediately after.

Despite initially turning down a return to the show, Claudia will once again host proceedings.

Among this year's contestants are chess master Anthony, model Mollie and clairvoyant Tracey.

And three Scots are set to take to our screens as the new contestants in The Traitors - including a self-described clairvoyant.

The tartan trio will be among 22 contestants in the battle of wits to win £120,000.