The Castle of Mey sits on the far north coast of Scotland in the historic county of Caithness. Perched close to the sea, it is one of the most northerly mainland castles in Britain and is widely recognised for its long association with Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who restored and used the house as a private residence and holiday retreat.

Architecture and grounds

The building grew from a traditional Scottish tower-house core into a larger domestic residence over several centuries. Its stone walls, steep rooflines and coastal setting are typical of northern Scottish lairds' houses, while later additions softened the original defensive character to create comfortable family rooms. Surrounding the castle are walled gardens, shelter belts and lawns designed both for pleasure and to provide protection from the frequently strong northerly winds.

History and restoration

Originally known as Barrogill, the property dates back several centuries and passed through a number of local families and owners. In 1952 the house attracted national attention when Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother acquired and undertook careful restoration of the building and its gardens, renaming it Castle of Mey. Her conservation work returned the fabric of the house to regular use and brought renewed interest in its heritage. After her death a charitable trust was set up to continue upkeep and to make the site accessible to the public.

Visiting, uses and importance

Today the Castle of Mey functions as a historic house and visitor destination. Visitors can explore a combination of furnished rooms that reflect mid-20th-century royal taste, extensive gardens that showcase plants suited to the cool northern climate, and coastal walks with wide sea views. The site also serves educational and cultural purposes: the trust maintains conservation projects, runs guided tours and hosts occasional events to interpret local history and natural heritage.

Notable facts and distinctions

  • The property was commonly called Barrogill before its royal association and subsequent renaming.
  • Its northerly location gives it significance as one of the most remote mainland castles in Britain and offers dramatic coastal scenery.
  • Management by a dedicated trust aims to balance public access with preservation of the historic fabric and gardens.

For practical information about visiting, guided tours and current exhibitions see the castle information pages: Castle information, regional context at Scotland tourism and biographical background on Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.