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 to be abandoned, she decided to save it.

Having acquired the most northerly inhabited castle on the British mainland, The Queen Mother renovated and restored it and created the beautiful gardens you see today. For almost half a century she spent many happy summers here and shorter visits at other times of the year.

Visit Scotland 5 StarsGreen Tourism GoldThe Castle and Gardens of Mey have held Visit Scotland's highest award of a 5 Star quality assurance grading every year since their first unannounced visit in 2007. Their annual assessments include all aspects of the castle, gardens, animal centre, gift shop and tearoom. This is a great accolade for the castle and visitor centre, and well-earned recognition for all the hard work and enthusiasm of the staff.

We hope that you too will enjoy your visit to The Castle and Gardens of Mey, including the visitor centre and animal centre.

WEDDINGS

Couples who are looking for a romantic venue with a difference can now hold their special ceremony in the Visitor Centre at the Castle and Gardens of Mey between October and April.

The Visitor Centre is set in the grounds of the castle and overlooks the Pentland Firth. Services can be conducted for up to 60 guests. After the service, photographs can be taken of the memorable day in the Visitors Centre, the Castle, or the Castle gardens, depending on the weather.

For those who want that extra special touch, champagne can be served to your guests in the Castle itself before heading off to a more formal reception.

Scott&Susan in the gardenAt present, weddings will be confined to the months when the Castle and Gardens are closed to the public. In the past, several couples have had their photographs taken in and around the Castle having been married in the local kirk.

The Trust has decided that without discriminating against creed, colour, gender or sexual orientation, offering such a service from our new Visitors Centre is an opportunity that should be explored.