Royal bedroom opens public doors

The Queen Mother used to retreat to the Castle of Mey in Caithness

A bedroom of the late Queen Mother is to open its doors to the public.

The simple private apartments are the latest rooms to go on public display at her Highland retreat, the Castle of Mey in Caithness.

The pretty castle, just six miles west of John O'Groats, was a favourite holiday spot of the Queen Mother since she bought the property in 1952.

Her bedroom along with the late Princess Margaret's sleeping quarters, will be on show from next month.

The tourist spot attracted almost 25,000 people in 2003.

It will give our visitors a better idea of how life was at the castle when Her Majesty was in residence Ashe Windham

Chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust Ashe Windham is expecting the new rooms to attract even more visitors.

He said: "It will give our visitors a better idea of how life was at the castle when Her Majesty was in residence.

"We took the decision to open the Queen Mother's private apartments with some reluctance but in the event agreed that visitors should not be denied the experience."

Tourists can get a taste for everyday life at the castle by touring the hall, drawing room, library, dining room, butler's pantry, kitchen, courtyard and gardens - as well as the new rooms.

The trust was keen to retain privacy so the bedroom will only be viewed from the door.

Queen Mother's former bedroom will be open to the public

Mr Windham added: "In deference to her memory and also for safety reasons, we are only allowing people as far as the outer door but this will still allow visitors to see her rooms."

Viewing will be limited to a few tourists at any one time and disabled visitors will be unable to access the room.

The Queen Mother used to spend the last three weeks of August at the castle, returning for about 10 days every October.

The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust, presided over by the Prince of Wales, was set up in 1996 to benefit the people of Caithness.

The castle and gardens are open from 18 May to 29 July and 11 August to 30 September inclusive.