Ruth Jones: From Welsh Icon to Scottish Highland Haven

Ruth Jones' Secret Life: The Actress's Hidden Love for Scotland Revealed

In a shocking revelation, it has been discovered that Ruth Jones, the beloved actress and national treasure of Wales, leads a secret life in one of Britain's remotest corners - the Scottish Highlands. The 58-year-old star of Gavin and Stacey fame, known for her cutting wit and melodious accent, has been secretly living a tranquil "second" life in the picturesque fishing village of Lochinver, over five hours north of Edinburgh.

Tucked away on the north-west coast of Scotland, Lochinver is a haven for those seeking solace from the chaos of city life. With a population of just 600, this tiny village is centred around a handful of shops and restaurants - one of which, Peet's, is co-owned by Ruth's husband David McDonald. And it's here that Ruth can often be spotted personally waiting tables, serving food and drinks to the locals and tourists alike.

But what's even more surprising is that Ruth and David have been hiding in plain sight in Lochinver for years, with the actress regularly visiting her "second home" whenever her schedule allows. Locals have grown fond of the couple, who are well-known by everyone in the village. Georgia Riggins, 24, a waitress at Peet's, revealed: "Ruth has been known to do a few shifts in the restaurant when she's up here. We've been told she's coming again in July. She's not been coming as much recently, but that's probably because she's busy with her work."

David McDonald, 51, who drives around the Highlands selling local seafood, said: "I supply fish to Peet's, and Ruth has also come to my van to buy fish. I must admit that I've never watched Gavin and Stacey, but I know she's very famous and can tell you what fish she likes." He continued: "It's a beautiful place, but not many people know about it. We love it here, and the people are lovely too."

The couple's holiday home, tucked away in the corner of a secluded bay with mountains looming overhead, is a stunning four-bedroom retreat that looks out onto a remote, windswept loch. With four bathrooms and two reception rooms, this detached property has been the perfect haven for Ruth and David to escape the pressures of showbiz life.

But how did Ruth develop her love for Scotland? Locals in Lochinver claim that she and her husband first fell in love with the Highlands during family holidays as youngsters. Sarah, who has lived in Lochinver all her life and knows them well, said: "Both Ruth and David came with their parents to Scotland for family holidays, and that's where their connection with the Highlands started. Being here probably reminds Ruth of her happy childhood, and she loves it in Lochinver."

As we delved deeper into the lives of Ruth and David, it became clear that they have made a conscious effort to keep their love for Scotland under wraps. Their friends in Wales had no idea about their Scottish secret life, with one friend revealing: "We knew they had a holiday home in Scotland, but we had no idea how much time they spent there."

But what's even more fascinating is that Ruth and David have been able to maintain their anonymity in Lochinver despite being surrounded by locals who adore them. Hilary MacDonald, owner of the local gift shop, said: "Ruth might have found something of a home here, but regardless of whether you're famous or not, what's there not to like about this place? It's incredibly safe and peaceful, is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the world, and really is the perfect community."

So why has Ruth chosen to keep her love for Scotland hidden from the public eye? Insiders close to the actress reveal that she values her anonymity and prefers not to be mobbed by fans. "Ruth loves living in Penylan, Cardiff," a source revealed. "She can jog around the park and shop at her local Tesco without being bothered by fans. But aside from this, she has also won hearts for the way in which she has not let fame dilute her unique Welsh identity."

It's clear that Ruth Jones is a woman of many talents - actress, writer, author, and now it seems, secret Scottish resident. But what we do know is that she and David have found their perfect haven in Lochinver, where they can escape the pressures of showbiz life and reconnect with nature.

As for her famous alter ego, Nessa from Gavin and Stacey, Ruth's character may be sassy and lugubrious, but in real life, it seems she's a humble and down-to-earth Welsh lass who has fallen deeply in love with Scotland.