John O’Groats marks 15 years of ‘remarkable’ transformation

Today (Monday 9 September) marks the 15^th anniversary of a masterplan that has helped to transform John O’Groats from ‘Carbuncle of the Year’ to a thriving visitor attraction.

The masterplan was launched in 2009 by local residents, business owners, and private and public sector representatives.

It was developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and consultants GVA Grimley, after a 12-week consultation with stakeholders.

A key aim was to develop facilities and experiences to match the iconic status and dramatic coastline of John O’Groats, while retaining local identity, supporting local businesses and attracting investment.

Fifteen years on from the launch, the transformation at John O’Groats has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led initiatives.

Projects include the renovation of the inn and lodge accommodation, the upgrade of the Journey’s End café to become Café Groats, and the redevelopment of the nearby Caberfeidh Guest House.

A community-led car park development has helped raise funds for local development and there’s been investment in amenities such as pathways, Wi-Fi, signage, toilets and art installations to enhance the visitor experience.

Retail offering on site now includes Stacks deli and bakery, Flavours ice cream and jewellery from Ortak. The John O’Groats Brewery has been expanded into the Last House and the new 8 Doors Distillery opened in 2022. As mainland Scotland's most northerly distillery, this strengthened the vibe of the village by transforming a derelict site into a thriving local business that celebrates both heritage and innovation.

The John O’Groats Mill Trust meanwhile is progressing a £4.9m redevelopment of this Grade 2 listed landmark into a local heritage hub and visitor attraction, after securing significant external investment.

Eann Sinclair, HIE area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, said:

“The transformation of John O’Groats over the past 15 years has been remarkable. It demonstrates the power of community initiative and collaboration, and the belief that even the most challenging situations can be turned around with vision and determination.

“While the masterplan provided the blueprint, the actual change is down to the hard work and determination of many individuals, businesses and community groups who saw the opportunities and embraced the challenges.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with everyone involved over the years and to witness what John O’Groats has become. The momentum is ongoing and we’ll see many more improvements taking place at this amazing attraction.”

Many of those marking the anniversary were also present at the masterplan launch. Among them was Andrew Mowat, lifelong resident and businessman, who operates the café and other visitor facilities.

Andrew is treasurer of the John O’Groats Development Trust. He said:

“By working together and with support from the likes of HIE and other agencies, the community has transformed John O’Groats into a lovely place for people to enjoy. We have shops, cafes’, brewery and distillery, and a great path network for folk to enjoy the open space and to promote physical and mental wellbeing. It’s a great family place to come, with many people bringing their kids to relax, have an ice cream or a coffee and cake.

“The brewery and the distillery have been established by local businesspeople who have had the confidence to invest because John O’Groats was growing and attracting new investment.

“The masterplan of 2009 has been a catalyst for all of this and now we have infrastructure and facilities and local jobs.”

Kerry Campbell co-founder of 8 Doors Distillery added:

“We’re delighted to be part of the John O’Groats development. There’s lots of great businesses here. When we started the business, alongside the production of whisky we wanted to create a memorable visitor experience. We wanted people to stop for a while and enjoy a coffee, a cocktail, or a dram, and take in the amazing views over the Pentland Firth, or take a tour and see how we make our whisky.

“As a distillery we work really well with the local brewery, cafes and shops, to give people more reason to stay here longer, which of course supports more local businesses, jobs and communities.”

The John O'Groats community remains determined to maintain the momentum of the masterplan to ensure the attraction continues to thrive for generations to come. Aspirations include the return of the John O’Groats ferry service under community ownership and the development of affordable housing, as well as more enhanced visitor facilities.

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