The Castle of Mey is located on the northern coast of Scotland between Thurso and John O'Groats. It looks out to sea across the Pentland Firth.
Built as a Z-plan castle between 1566 and 1572 by the fourth Earl of Caithness, it was bought from Captain Imbert-Terry by the Queen Mother in 1952 (after her husband died). The castle was then in a state of disrepair and renovation work was required.
In September 1996 she handed the castle, its 2000 acre estate and her prize-winning herd of
Aberdeen Angus over to a charitable trust to make their future secure.
The gardens were one of her favourite places and it is said that she often used to head straight to them on arrival during her annual August and October visits.
For 2011, the Castle and Gardens will be open to visitors for the Easter weekend (22 - 25 April), and then daily from 1st May to 27th July inclusive and from 9th August to 30th September inclusive. (Closed from 28 July to 8 August inclusive). Several of the guides in the castle will tell you personal stories of their time with the Queen Mother.
Opening times are from 9.20am until 4pm (last admission).
Visitor centre with tearoom, toilets and gift shop.
To double check times and dates, visit the official web site.
If you don't have a car, you can visit the castle on a day trip from Inverness thanks to
Nor'West Tours.
Only available on certain dates in the summer months.
Links to additional info:
