'Warm space' role for Castle of Mey tearoom
The tearoom at the Castle of Mey is among the latest venues to be used as a “warm space”, providing a comfortable setting as well as companionship for those who may be struggling with rising energy costs at home.
Wednesday saw the first of three weekly Winter Warmer sessions this month, with free hot drinks available. Others are planned for February 15 and February 22, from 11am to 3pm in each case.
Launched by The Prince’s Foundation, the Winter Warmer initiative is also benefiting communities around Highgrove in Gloucestershire and Dumfries House in Ayrshire.
A social media message posted by the Castle and Gardens of Mey stated: “Join us in the Castle of Mey tearoom for our Winter Warmer sessions this month. A free, warm space for you to have complimentary tea or coffee. Please feel free to bring along your favourite book, a knitting project or to have a blether with other people. A welcome space for all.”
While the tearoom is open as a warm space, the castle itself, the grounds and the gift shop remain closed for the season.
The Prince’s Foundation says Highgrove’s Orchard Room, the Hayloft at Dumfries House and the tearoom at Mey “have all become welcoming havens of warmth and social opportunity for local people”.

A spokesperson said: “The first event at the Castle of Mey went very well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The events will run again, at the same time, on the next two Wednesdays. We welcome everyone, and no booking is required."
Emily Cherrington, executive director of The Prince’s Foundation, said: “Since establishing The Prince’s Foundation’s Integrated Health and Wellbeing Programme in May 2016, we have run many initiatives to help strengthen communities.
“At a particularly hard time for many, we felt we had the capacity in the quieter winter months to utilise our spaces to benefit those in the surrounding communities, many of whom perhaps cannot afford to heat their homes or who may not have the opportunity for social interaction.
“We hope that, by offering a space for people at these three communities across the UK to meet for a cup of tea and some enjoyable activities, we can play a small part in ensuring our guests benefit from some warmth and friendship each week.”
The Queen Mother bought the Castle of Mey in 1952. In 1996, she gifted it with an endowment to the Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust.
Since her death in 2002, her grandson King Charles III has been a regular visitor to the castle each summer.