Empty: Sir Fred’s old home in the Grange area of Edinburgh is now empty, save for curtains and a few items of furniture
THERE were few signs of life at either of Sir Fred Goodwin’s properties today as news broke of the reasons behind his super-injunction.
A Liberal Democrat peer used Parliamentary privilege to claim that Goodwin’s injunction relates to claims of a relationship with a senior colleague.
Goodwin’s home in the Grange area of the city – an imposing, stone-built mansion set in extensive grounds – appeared deserted this afternoon.
The property, which was fully furnished as recently as a fortnight ago, was almost devoid of furniture, save for a wooden cabinet, a black lacquered baby grand piano in the conservatory, and curtains.
Only a vintage car parked in the driveway hinted at any signs of life in the property.
Goodwin decided to move out of his Grange home, which is easily accessible to the public, after it was attacked by vandals.
But his new home, a secluded 3m mansion in the Colinton area of the city, still has the appearance of a building site.
The property is guarded by its own gate and CCTV camera system as well as another set of gates across the private road leading to the home. Unusually, today both gates were open, although there was no sign of Goodwin.
The property had its front door wide open to reveal sunlight streaming onto the tiled floors but, again, a distinct lack of furniture.
Sir Fred’s dark-coloured Audi sat in front of the property, but as at his Grange home, no one answered the door.
Workmen entered the property, but made no comment.
It is also understood that Sir Fred today took delivery of three leylandii trees, which filled the lorry that delivered them.
The delivery driver refused to reveal and detail surrounding the trees.
He said: “I’ve got a contact but it’s not Fred Goodwin.
Sir Fred: Peer revealed superinjunction related to claims of a relationship with a senior colleague
“I don’t want to say anything because I don’t want to get into trouble with my work.”
The purchase is likely to anger his neighbours in nearby Laverockdale Park as they are already embroiled in a bitter argument with him over the height of his existing hedge.
One of Sir Fred’s neighbours, who asked not to be named said: “The trees are the least of his worries today. He’s in big trouble.”
Empty: Apart from toiling workmen, there was no sign of Sir Fred at his new mansion in the Colinton area of the city
The neighbour, whose property backs onto Sir Fred’s mansion, was unsure as to whether the former banker had moved into his new home.
“No one seems to know if he’s moved in yet. His next door neighbour has said that she hasn’t seen him.
“It probably on Facebook and Twitter by now, and once it’s on there it’s out so he might as well admit it. I feel sorry for his wife.
“No one loves Fred, it’s as simple as that.
“Personally I think if people can’t be trusted in their personal lives they can’t be trusted full stop.”
At around 4.15 Sir Fred’s wife arrived at their new property.
She sped through the estate’s main gates without stopping and refused to answer the intercom system at the property.
