A Ukrainian millionaire has splashed out on a Fife castle and estate, The Courier can reveal.
Max Polyakov – who co-founded the online dating firm Cupid – has snapped up the 14th-century Pitcairlie House, near Newburgh.
The seven-bedroom building – which boasts a swimming pool, bar and gym, and 99 acres of grounds – was put on the market for £2.2 million back in 2017.
A spokeswoman for Dr Polyakov, who helped set up Scottish-based Cupid before its sale for £43m in 2013, has confirmed the castle will be used as a private residence.
Max Polyakov plans for Fife castle revealed
She told The Courier: “We confirm that Dr Polyakov purchased the Pitcairlie Estate in Newburgh.
“Dr Polyakov highly appreciates the historical heritage of the place, taking its roots from the early 14th century.”
The property, which includes a tower thought to have been built in the 1350s, was originally owned by the Leslie family, Earls of Rothes.
More recently, the castle – which comprises four self-contained apartments – has been available for holidays lets and as a venue for weddings.
Dr Polyakov’s spokeswoman added: “As a serial international technology entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, Dr Polyakov has the proper resources to maintain the historical character of this A-listed property with aristocratic roots and save its original appearance for the next generations.
“Dr Polyakov bought Pitcairlie House in accordance with all legal requirements for A-listed property and plans to follow existing restrictions.
“Dr Polyakov does not plan to make any commercial use of the estate – it will be used for private matters.”
Who is Max Polyakov?
According to his official biography, Dr Polyakov started his first company – IT-Ukraine – in 2001, before becoming involved with Cupid PLC in 2005, alongside other firms.
In 2012 he founded the Renatus Media company, a social and mobile games publisher.
The 44-year-old – who hails from Zaporizhia, in south-east Ukraine – is now an investor in space technology, with links to a US rocket maker which has won contracts with Nasa and Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
However, in December 2021 the US State Department ordered Dr Polyakov to sell his stake in American aerospace firm Firefly, citing national security concerns.
It was reported in 2021 that he had moved to Edinburgh.
The entrepreneur, who originally trained as an obstetrician, has spoken out against the ongoing Russian invasion of his country.
In March, he announced a $1 million donation to help Ukrainian citizens.
