North Highlands Highlight

Castle of Mey

find accomodation in this area

THE CASTLE OF MEY was originally built between 1566 and 1572 by George Sinclair, Earl of Caithness. It was renamed Barrogill Castle in the 18th century and extensive additions were made in the 19th century. By the early 1950s it had fallen into severe disrepair.

In 1952, during a visit to friends after the death of King George Vi, the Queen Mother found out that the castle was for sale. It was in very poor condition, but she bought and restored it. When she took over there was neither electricity nor running water. She also changed the name back to the original.

The Queen Mother created a comfortable and welcoming northern home. Most of the interior fittings and furnishings were obtained locally. The castle is very much the product of her own taste and acquired many items from shops such as the Ship’s Wheel and Miss Miller Calder’s Shop in Thurso.

In 1996 she formed The Queen Elizabeth castle of Mey Trust and endowed it with the castle, farm and estate. The interior remains set out very much as she had it. Knowledgable guides do everything to make visits interesting and enjoyable with anecdotes and explanations.

« back