Castle of Mey, Gothic Revival castle in Caithness, Scotland
The Castle of Mey is a Gothic Revival manor house on the northernmost coast of Scotland in Caithness. Medieval towers and fortified walls rise above gardens that look out toward the Orkney Islands.
George Sinclair, fourth Earl of Caithness, commissioned the three-story fortress between 1566 and 1572 on earlier fortification grounds. In the 20th century, the Queen Mother acquired the property and transformed it into a summer retreat.
The Z-plan layout shows how Scottish noble families in the 16th century combined living comfort with defense. The projecting southeast wing and square northwest tower together form this typical shape found at many manor houses across the country.
The estate opens from May through September, Wednesday to Sunday, with guided tours starting at 11 AM and final entry at 3 PM. The gardens remain accessible even in cool coastal winds, so warm clothing is recommended.
The former stables at Granary Lodge have been converted into luxury accommodation with ten bedrooms and Scottish design elements. Guests can stay in the historic service buildings while visiting the main castle.
Location: Highland
Location: Canisbay
Inception: 1566
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Address: Thurso KW14 8XH
Website: https://castleofmey.org.uk
GPS coordinates: 58.64703,-3.22448
Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:26
Canisbay Parish Church
5.4 kmBarrock Free Church
4.3 kmStroma Skerries
5.5 kmWest Canisbay
5.6 kmHam Mill
5.1 km
Canisbay Parish Church, Churchyard
5.4 kmWest Canisbay, West Wing
5.6 kmCanisbay, Manse, Gatepiers And Garden Wall
5.9 kmCastle Of Mey, Lodge
200 mWest Canisbay, East Wing
5.6 kmRattar House
4 kmMen of Mey
3.2 kmLonggoe Skerries
2.2 kmSt John's Point
2.4 kmEarl's Cairn,chambered cairn N of Hollandmake,Inkstack
5 kmScarfskerry,Kirk o'Banks
3.7 kmCastle Mestag, fortified sea-stack, Stroma
5.5 kmGirnieclett, mound 300m ESE of Mell Head, Stroma
5.7 kmThomsonsfield,broch 780m SW of,Brabstermire
5.5 kmHam,chambered cairn 180m NW of,Brough
5.2 kmScarfskerry
3.4 kmMey Battery, battery 80m NE of Braes of Harrow
601 mDesigned landscape at Castle of Mey (Barrogill Castle)
96 mAnimal Centre
263 mHarrow harbour
972 mCastle of Mey Gardens
104 mScenic viewpoint
92 mCannon
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