Locals, who looked upon the family as one of their own, believe Sir Paul has “fallen out of love” with Kintyre. At 71 he shows no sign of slowing down, and surprised shoppers in New York’s Time Square on Thursday with an impromptu concert. He also supports his daughter, the designer Stella McCartney, at fashion shows in Europe’s capitals, and holidays with his third wife, Nancy Shevell, and his young daughter (by Mills) Beatrice. There is, it seems, no time for the farm now. Neighbours say he has not been spotted for at least five years.