S.R.T. Day 8. Weds 25/09 Castle and Gardens of Mey.

Had a lie in and never got up until 0640, wow.

First I must give you a bit of history, I will take you back 8 years to when we were staying at Fearn near Inverness with my brother Michael. We set out early one morning for the long drive to John o' Groats and to visit the Castle of Mey, only to find out that they closed for the season on 30th September every year. We were just 4 days late as we arrived on October the 4th!

So back to today. 

Castle of Mey on a foggy day.

Dressed, breakfasted and showered ready to leave at 0930 to go just 8 miles along the road towards John o' Groats to visit "The Castle and Gardens of Mey". This being the home of the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
We  went on the first Guided tour of the day at 1020 although 1040 was our booked time, we were early so they sneaked us on.
Very interesting tour and they put many personal bits about the Queen Mother that really personalised her and showed the sort of person she really was. Fascinating.

Walled Garden

 By the time we got out of the house the rain had stopped so I went for a walk around the grounds and walled garden while Sue sat in the car.
We then stayed for lunch and a cuppa for me and coffee for Sue.
Altogether a fascinating and enjoyable visit. Walking around the gift shop I saw a lovely mug, so thin but with a lovely big handle that I misread the price of, I thought it read £2.50 but I must have had something in my eye as it turned out to be £11.50. Do you know I walked away and am now regretting it! If we go past again I might just pop in and get one?
Overall review on the visit.
Two thing I will be quite honest I was not too happy about.
[1] There did not seem any valid reason why no photography was allowed in the house but I feel it is probably tied up with the second in some way?
[2] The very obvious lack of trust among the staff in their attitude towards the people visiting the house, we were watched (very obviously) like hawks. We were escorted everywhere and even when we were, through infirmity unable to make the stairs escorted, chaperoned and obviously watched every second of the time!
I came away feeling like a naughty schoolboy that could not be trusted!

On the way back we went up to Dunnet Head again to see if we could see the Orkneys, alas still sea fog obscuring them! We may have to console ourselves that we saw them in 2011 when we were up here with Mike.