Above the Castle of Mey – formerly Barrogill Castle.
Half way along the coast of Caithness between Dunnet Head to the west and Duncasby Head in the east there lies the Castle of Mey (above). Estate Agents (USA: Realtors) like to declare, “location, location, location”! Well, any esatte agents shouting this in the case of the Castle of Mey would be to a person to whom the “back of beyond” is too near civilisation and would appreciate a location which is at the back of beyond of the back of beyond!
Though many would at a distance regard the landscape as bleak, it is for those (like Moi) who know and love the area along the A836 from John o’ Groats to Castletown at the southern end of Dunnet Bay, it is an area of beauty and tranquillity – disturbed from time to time by inclement weather!
The lands of Mey belonged to the Bishops of Caithness. The Castle of Mey was built between 1566 and 1572, possibly on the site of an earlier fortification, by the 4th Earl of Caithness which was later renamed Barrogill Castle by the 4th Earl’s descendants. The castle was in a semi-derelict state when, in 1952, the estate was bought by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the widow of King George VI, who had died earlier that year. The Queen Mother set about restoring the castle for use as a holiday home, removing some of the 19th-century additions, and reinstated the castle’s original name. As part of the restoration, the castle was for the first time supplied with electricity and water. Other work done in 1953–1954 included making the castle weathertight and habitable, as well as painting and plastering. The castle interior was also refurbished over the next few years. The west wing restoration was not completed until 1960.
It has now been suggested that the King is trying to persuade Prince Andrew to move to the Castle of Mey. Apart from a possible reluctance to move on the part of the prince, there is however a problem – the castle is at times open to the public. This would have to cease.
There is another possible problem for Prince Andrew: At some point in the future – that might not be too far distant – Police Scotland might call with a request that he help them with their enquiries into his dealings with certain foreign gentlemen!
Such a development would prove most embarrassing for all concerned!
Prince Andrew does in fact have a bolt hole to flee to. It is in Abu Dhabi on the Persian Gulf and not overlooking the Pentland Firth! The mansion in Abu Dhabi is said to be fully staffed with servants but there are claims it is too hot for Sarah Ferguson and too quiet for Prince Andrew.
Well the Castle of Mey is quiet. But at least Abu Dhabi is beyond the reach of Police Scotland! And the mansion does have air conditioning!