Highlands and Islands Enterprise
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Case study

John O'Groats - 15 years of transformation

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From weary to world-class – the changing face of John O’Groats

A destination synonymous with intrepid expeditions, the UK’s most famous northerly mainland village John O’Groats is celebrating its own epic 15-year journey. 

On 9 September 2009, local residents, business owners, and private and public sector representatives gathered to launch a masterplan for the future. The vision was to create an experience more in fitting with its national status and stunning coastline location – for both locals and visitors alike.

Many of that same group, alongside some new faces, are marking the anniversary in what is a much-changed village from the one which held the unenviable title of "Carbuncle of the Year’.

See the press release

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John O’Groats today

Take a look at the transformation at John O’Groats. It's testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the belief that even the most challenging situations can be turned around with vision and determination. 

With the masterplan providing the blueprint, the redevelopment has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led projects.

Key milestones include:

  • the renovation of the Inn and more than 20 new lodges built
  • upgrade of Journey’s End Café, now known as Cafe Groats  
  • redevelopment of the nearby Caberfeidh Guest House
  • development of a community-led car park with a fund which has been instrumental in financing local development
  • investment in the public realm, including a network of pathways, wifi, free public toilets, and art installations
  • creation of a permanent signpost
  • refreshed retail offering including Stacks deli and bakery, ice-cream from Flavours, and world-renowned jeweller Ortak
  • expansion of John O’Groats Brewery into the Last House
  • development of the 8 Doors Distillery, tasting room and cafe
  • community purchase and re-development of the John O’Groats Mill

We've invested just over £3m across a number of these projects. 

See how things have changed

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Where it started

The refurbishment of the John O'Groat's Inn and creation of accommodation lodges started in 2009.

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8 doors

Local couple Derek and Kerry Campbell chose John O'Groats as home to their small independent distillery. 8-Doors distillery has transformed what was a derelict site into a vibrant hub, featuring a distillery, visitor centre, and a warehouse.

Kerry explains why the location is so special.

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John O'Groats Mill

This community-led project has secured £4.9m to restore one of the last water-powered grain mills in Scotland.

See our latest news release
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John O'Groats sign

Now a permanent and free feature, it's a great place to mark your journey to John O'Groats. You'll find there's so much more to do now with year round facilities.

Visit John O'Groats website
John O'groats Facilities Web

Local ambition

Andrew Mowat is a lifelong resident, businessman, and treasurer of the development trust. He runs a number of facilities for visitors including Café Groats.

He says the collaboration between the community with its development fund, HIE, the Highland Council, private owners Heritage GB and JOG 2 has enabled enormous change.

Hear more in our interview.

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What’s next?

Looking ahead, the community remains committed to building on this momentum. While there is a fully operational harbour, locals would like to see the return of the ferry service to Orkney and associated tours. A revival could potentially be driven through community ownership. 

There are also community aspirations to develop affordable housing and enhanced visitor facilities. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring that John O'Groats continues to thrive for generations to come.

The John O'Groats Development Trust, with some help from Caithness Voluntary Group is fund-raising to improve the local children's playpark. Find out more

John O'Groats is a fantastic example of place-based development. Public, private and community commitment have worked together - identifying opportunities, attracting and maximising investment, improving facilities and creating jobs.

Hilary Budge, senior development manager, HIE

Some of the John O'Groats partners

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