Visitors to Scotland have an abundance of places and attractions to choose from when putting together their travel itinerary. The Castle of Mey might not be among Scotland’s most famous attractions, but there is a strong argument that it is one of the best.
This imposing structure is in Caithness, on Scotland’s north coast, just six miles west of John o’Groats. The latter town is famous in its own right for being the most distant part of the UK mainland from Cornwall’s Land’s End some 876 miles to the south. The castle’s location is just several hundred yards away from the sea and offers beautiful views over the Pentland Firth to the Orkney Islands.
Architecturally impressive, the castle’s official website says its jutting towers and corbelled turrets “are typical of that period of the 16th century, particularly the chequered character of the corbelling of the smaller turrets”. Many visitors are attracted to the site to get a glimpse into Scotland’s history and its links to its most famous former resident – Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Born Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon in 1900, she became Queen Consort in 1936 when her husband, King George VI, ascended to the throne.
The Sinclair family years
The Castle of Mey was built between 1566 and 1572 by the 4th Earl of Caithness, George Sinclair, for his second-born son William Sinclair. Unfortunately, William was murdered in 1573 by his brother John, who their father had imprisoned at the family seat of Girnigoe Castle. When John too was killed, the castle passed into the hands of the third son, also called George.
His descendent became an earl in 1789 and for the next 100 years, the castle was the seat of the Earls of Caithness. During the Second World War, the castle was used as an officers' rest home. Sadly, by this point, the site had fallen into disrepair and most of the buildings were inhabitable. Fortunately, its future was secured when it was purchased by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952.
A royal residence
When The Queen Mother bought the Castle of Mey, known at that time as Barrogill Castle, she was mourning her husband George VI, who had died that year. She had fallen for its beauty and decided to save it from abandonment.
One of Her Majesty’s first acts was to restore the original Castle of Mey name. Work also began torenovate the castle and the 30 acres of parklands and gardens, which were part of the property at the time. These works included supplying water and electricity to the castle for the first time and making it weathertight and habitable.
The Queen Mother also opened the garden three days a year to support Scotland’s Garden Scheme and bought nearby Longoe Farm in 1958.
From 1955 to her death in 2002, Her Majesty spent many happy times enjoying the tranquillity of the castle’s Scottish Highlands location. She spent three weeks at the castle every August and returned for around 10 days each October.
Securing its future
In 1996, the Queen Mother gifted the site to The Castle of Mey Trust. The Trust was set up to ensure its future for the next generation and to ensure its existence was to benefit the community. Indeed, placing the community at the heart of The Castle of Mey now acts as one of the priorities for its long term future.
In 2002, the castle opened to the public during the summer months to help generate revenue to ensure its upkeep. From May to September, the castle opens Wednesday to Sunday (although check in advance as the site can occasionally be closed for short periods during these months) and tickets are available to buy on the day.
The castle opens at 11am, with last admission at 3pm. Visitors can explore rooms used by Her Majesty when she enjoyed her time here, including the Front Hall, Dining Room, Library, Equerry's Room, Butler's Pantry, Drawing Room, and Kitchen.
Garden and grounds
There are also impressive gardens, an animal centre, a tearoom, and shop. The walled gardens are well maintained by Head Gardener Chris Parkinson, who has given the site a new layout and a revitalised look since taking charge. The official Castle of Mey website quotes him as saying his goal was to “make the garden interesting all year round”. Be sure to climb the tower in the garden for a superb view. Another bonus of the garden is it provides an abundance of fresh produce ready for use in the tearoom.
Those looking to make the most of their visit will likely find the animal centre, in the East Woods, an educational and enjoyable experience. It’s home to well-cared-for sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, bantams, rabbits, and Alice, the donkey.
Community use and events
The Castle plays host to a range of events. And in April 2023, visitors were welcomed to celebrate the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It’s even possible to stay on-site, with The Granary Lodge Bed & Breakfast and The Captain’s House self-catering offering truly memorable Highland retreats in the stunning Caithness countryside.
Between October and April, it’s possible to get married at the Visitor Centre in the grounds, with the option of a drinks reception in the castle and the opportunity for some incredible photographs. The site also hosts corporate events.
We hope this guide has inspired you to add the Castle of Mey to your Scotland travel plans. It’s certainly one of the gems of northern Scotland, and with so many significant and important attractions to compete with, that is amongst the highest praise you can ask for.
