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, 4th Earl of Caithness, built the castle between 1566 and 1572 as a Z-plan tower house of three storeys. It was extended in the 17th and 18th centuries and altered in Tudor Gothic style by William Burn in 1821. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother bought the semi-derelict Barrogill in 1952, restored it and reinstated the name Castle of Mey.
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 castle and garden open seven days a week from 1 May to 30 September, with a ten-day closure at the end of July and start of August when King Charles III and Queen Camilla usually stay. The Visitor Centre opened in early 2007. In fine weather the view north reaches Orkney.
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.
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