On the Caithness coast in the far north of Scotland, the Castle of Mey is a picturesque and historic property. It was originally built as a 16th-century keep before being converted into a grand Georgian mansion.

Originally built for William Sinclair, the second son of George, 4th Earl of Caithness, a cruel twist of events took place in 1573 when William was murdered by his older brother, John.

John had been imprisoned by his father for six years at Girnigoe Castle. He had been planning his escape, but William found out about it he told his father, leading to revenge.  After John Sinclair was murdered, the castle passed to his third son, George Sinclair, who founded the Sinclairs of Mey family and inherited the earldom in 1789. The castle was renamed Barrogill Castle by him.

A number of ambitious alterations to the castle were made by William Burn, the architect of the twelfth Earl, in 1819. During this time, the dining room and grand entrance were added. Alexander, his son, erected the monument known as Lady Fanny’s seat to honor Charles John Canning who later became the first Viceroy of India under the British Empire.

The Castle is most popularly known for its association with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, who used it as her summer retreat. She purchased the castle in 1952 and restored the castle to its former glory and landscaped the gardens beautifully. A variety of plants and flowers are featured in the castle’s gardens, including rhododendrons, the Queen Mother’s favourite.

The Queen Mother, was a passionate dog lover, and the castle was often filled with her beloved corgis. In homage to her love of four-legged friends, the castle grounds remain dog-friendly, encouraging visitors to bring well-behaved furry companions into the grounds.

There are regular garden parties, concerts, and exhibitions held in the stunning gardens surrounding the castle. The gardens are home to a variety of plant species, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and herbaceous borders, meticulously maintained by a team of dedicated professionals.

Enjoy peaceful walks through the gardens and admire the breathtaking views of the coast of Scotland.