Castle of Mey - Definition and Overview

The Castle of Mey (formerly Barrogill Castle) is in dramatic situation on the north coast of Scotland, about 6 miles west of John O'Groats. In fine weather there are views from the castle north to the Orkney Islands. The castle was in a semi-derelict state when, in 1952, it and its estate were purchased by Queen Elizabeth, the widow of King George VI of the United Kingdom, who had died earlier in the year. Queen Elizabeth set about restoring the castle for use as a holiday home. She regularly visited it in August and October from 1955 until her death in 2002 (the last visit being in October 2001). Since her death the castle has been opened to the public on a limited basis by the Trust to which Queen Elizabeth made it over.