Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother first saw what was then Barrogill Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. Falling for its isolated charm – and hearing it was about to be abandoned – she declared: “Never! It’s part of Scotland’s heritage. I’ll save it.”

So began The Queen Mother’s love affair with The Castle & Gardens of Mey. Situated in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and six miles west of John O'Groats, it stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands – just a short journey from the port of Scrabster.


The Castle of Mey and Gardens by Alistair Campbell

Having acquired the most northerly castle on the British Isles, the Queen Mother renovated and restored it and created the beautiful gardens that can be seen today. For almost half a century Her Majesty spent many happy summers at Mey, and is quoted as saying: “Caithness is a county of such great beauty, combining as it does the peace and tranquillity of open countryside with the rugged glory of a magnificent coastline. It is a delight to me now that I have a home here.”

A tour of the Castle & Gardens of Mey affords visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy her summer home much as she left it after her last visit in October 2001 before she died aged 101 in March 2002. The tour passes through the hall, drawing room, Equerry’s room, the library, the main bedroom floor, dining room, butler’s pantry, kitchen and gardens. The traditional Scottish walled garden with two rose gardens, herbaceous borders, some fruit and vegetables for the house and the East Garden were created out of a wilderness by The Queen Mother and are part of the tour. There is also a newly built turret that affords the visitor a bird’s eye view of the gardens and a view over the Pentland Firth to Orkney.

Other highlights in the castle include the wonderfully extravagant jardinière centrepiece in the front hall overflowing with fresh flowers, the visitors’ book in the drawing room, a stunning portrait of The Queen Mother with her much loved corgi Ranger above the fireplace in the Equerry’s Room, personal memorabilia, treasured family photographs and gifts that still adorn the table in the library and the Royal Coat of Arms tapestry and works of art in the dining room.

A tour of the bedroom floor allows the visitor to see into the former bedrooms of The Queen Mother and also that of the Princess Margaret. Other bedrooms are also open to the public along with an original 1950s bathroom where only the linoleum has been renewed. Even the cleaning cupboard, with stoneware hot water bottles on view is open for inspection. A display of Christmas cards, going back to 1970, signed and sent by The Queen Mother are also exhibited within the Castle.


Animal Centre ducks enjoying a quick splash

There is an Animal Centre a short walk from the castle. Although intended for children a great many adults seem to derive a lot of enjoyment from meeting Alice the donkey (given half a chance she will nibble your fingers, but she really prefers Polos), Libby and Beebe the goats, Augustus and Livia the geese - no goslings yet, and two new piglets. There also are rare breeds of sheep, ducks, hens, rabbits and other animals. Visitors can try their hand at milking Flora the wooden cow!


Flora ready for milking

In 2007 Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall opened the Visitor Centre. This has a tearoom, very necessary after a tour of the castle, gardens and animal centre, with wonderful views out to Orkney on a fine day. Much use is made of local produce and vegetables and fruit from the garden. The shop caters for visitors on pocket money and also sells wonderful mementos of the castle such as Castle of Mey tweed or a Queen Mother’s check rug.


A corner of the Castle of Mey shop - shelves loaded with quality items.

For 2011 the Castle & Gardens of Mey open from 1 May to 30 September but closed 28 July to 8 August. The Castle opens at 9.20 am and last entries are at 4.00 pm. Visit www.castleofmey.org.uk.


Publisher's Note - Don't miss out on the delights offered by the Visitors' Centre but I thought you'd like to know that the public house in Scrabster serves an interesting snack at lunchtime - Cheese and Haggis Toasties.