The Castle of Mey, Caithness, Scotland

As its a Saturday, I though we would have a virtual “Day Out”

On the wild north coast of Scotland, high on cliffs overlooking the Pentland Firth, some 6 miles from John O’ Groats, stands the rather fabulous Castle of Mey.

Built around 1566 by the then Earl of Caithness, and also known for many years as Barrogill Castle, it has a endured a rather chequered and neglected life.

That all changed when in 1952 (the late) Queen Elizabeth, the Queens Mother acquired the Castle.  It was I am told in a sorry state.  No electricity, no water.   But after much restoration plus some very sympathetic extensions to the building, it became the Queen Mothers much loved Holiday Haven, and the original name of Castle of Mey restored.

Despite its extreme wild location, the gardens  of Castle of Mey are as grand as the Castle its self. High hedges and wall protect it from the extremes, but even so it is a quite an achievement for this wild sea view location above the Pentland Firth.

With a view to the Castles future, the Queen Mother established a Trust Foundation., which in turn passed to the Princess Trust to Administer. Following her death in 2002 the Castle has been opened  to the Public.  In those early days of public visits we were lucky enough to visit.  My wife Jean enjoyed a small intimate tour of the interior, a small glimpse of life at Castle Mey that the Queen Mother so much enjoyed but also much to show her love of her family.

Prince Charles  (known in Scotland as the Duke of Rothesay) has overseen the development of a Visitor Centre and Improved visitor facilities…….   Now a must on any Tour of the Highlands.

Now back to the real world of today, so wherever you are this Saturday….

Please Remember to ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

27th March

(C) David Oakes 2021