The Castle & Gardens of Mey
Sightseeing attraction | Thurso | Scotland | United Kingdom
"The Castle & Gardens of Mey" in Thurso, Scotland, is one of the most remarkable attractions on the north coast of Britain, a place that combines history, nature, and royal charm in a unique way. This castle, also known as the northernmost castle on the British mainland, is located in the county of Caithness and was the beloved summer residence of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, from 1952 to 1996. Today, it is managed by the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust, a foundation that took over the property from the Queen Mother in 1996, and serves as a museum that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the royal family and the beauty of the surrounding gardens.
The history of the castle dates back to the 16th century, when it was built between 1566 and 1572 by George Sinclair, the 4th Earl of Caithness. Originally named Barrogill Castle, it was designed as a Z-plan tower house, a typical Scottish fortification style of the time with a main tower and two side wings. It was built for William Sinclair, the second son of the Earl, but the family history took a dark turn when William was murdered in 1573 by his older brother John, who had been imprisoned by their father in the nearby Girnigoe Castle. The castle later passed to George Sinclair, the third son, whose descendants established the Sinclairs of Mey. In 1819, the 12th Earl of Caithness had extensive renovations carried out by the architect William Burn, including the grand entrance and dining room, adding an air of elegance to the castle.
The modern significance of the castle began in 1952 when the Queen Mother acquired it. After the death of her husband, King George VI, she sought a place of refuge during a visit to friends in the region. Upon hearing that Barrogill Castle was to be abandoned, she spontaneously decided to purchase it and rename it back to its original name, Castle of Mey. Between 1952 and 1955, she renovated the dilapidated building and redesigned the gardens, leaving her personal mark on the castle. She spent three weeks every August and around ten days in October here each year, describing Caithness as a place of "great beauty" that combines the tranquility of the open countryside with the rugged splendor of the coast. Upon her death in 2002 at the age of 101, she left the castle to the foundation, which continues to care for it and make it publicly accessible.
The castle itself is surprisingly modest and exudes a homely atmosphere, often described by visitors as unexpectedly cozy for a royal estate. The interiors are largely preserved as the Queen Mother last used them in October 2001. During a tour of the castle, visitors can view rooms such as the entrance hall with a display stand where the Queen Mother collected shells from her beach walks, or the Equerry's Room with a portrait of the Queen Mother and her beloved Corgi "Ranger." The library, which served as her private retreat in later years, is filled with personal letters and humorous mementos - including a telegram asking her to buy lemons in Thurso when the castle's supplies were running low. The dining room is the grandest room, adorned with a tapestry bearing her coat of arms and a bronze back on the fireplace, while the Butler's Pantry and kitchen with their 1950s appliances offer a glimpse into the practical side of royal life.
The gardens of the Castle of Mey are also a highlight, encompassing about 30 acres of parkland, woodland, and formal garden areas. The walled gardens, considered the northernmost of their kind on the British mainland, are a testament to the Queen Mother's passion for gardening. They have been painstakingly restored and adapted to showcase a variety of plants despite the region's harsh climate, including pansies, marigolds, dahlias, and even fruits and vegetables that still supply the castle today. A tower in the garden offers an elevated view of the grounds and the surrounding landscape, stretching to the Pentland Firth with views of the Orkney Islands - on clear days, even to the Old Man of Hoy, a prominent sea stack.
In addition to the castle and gardens, there is a visitor area with a tea room offering local specialties, and a shop selling souvenirs that connect to the history of the place. An animal area delights younger visitors, especially with animals like Alice, the donkey, known for her friendly nature. The castle remains a vibrant place regularly visited by King Charles III, the Duke of Rothesay, who continues the tradition of his grandmother and spends time here in August.
"The Castle & Gardens of Mey" is more than just a historic site - it is a place that reflects the personality of the Queen Mother, her love of nature, and her deep connection to the community of Caithness. For visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the private world of the royal family, while the gardens and the wild coastal landscape create a visual experience capturing the rugged beauty of Scotland. Those who visit the region will find here a unique piece of history that conveys both royal splendor and surprising down-to-earthness.
