Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Castle of Mey (formerly Barrogill Castle) in Caithness, Scotland, holds layered significance:
Purchased by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952 (after King George VI's death), it became her private Highland retreat for nearly 50 years. She restored the derelict castle, created its celebrated gardens, and visited annually—usually August and October—hosting family, friends, and officials.
The interiors preserve her collections: portraits, porcelain, furniture, and personal memorabilia reflecting royal taste and 20th-century aristocratic life. The walled garden and East Garden showcase her horticultural passion—especially old roses and hardy perennials thriving at 58°N.
Since 1996, the Castle of Mey Trust (established by the Queen Mother) manages the property. Summer opening (May–Sept) draws ~15,000–20,000 visitors annually to remote Caithness, supporting local hospitality, trades, and employment.
The Trust runs school programs, heritage skills workshops, and community events—connecting new generations to Scottish history, conservation, and the royal link.
The castle embodies the Queen Mother's genuine affection for Scotland and its people—a reciprocal bond celebrated in her 2002 funeral procession through Caithness. It's a living monument to that relationship.