John O'Groats Transformation

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John O'Groats Transformation

History

In September 2009 Highlands and Islands Enterprise and consultants GVA Grimley unveiled a vision for a five hectare site at John O'Groats.

All about the exciting and inspiring public art projects, building development work, and interesting events that will be transforming John O'Groats over the next few years This masterplan was shaped by the views of residents, businesses, tourists and public agencies. Four development phases have been identified. Phase one incorporates the restoration of the John O'Groats Hotel, a new harbour square, refurbishment of the Last House Museum and the restoration of coastal paths to Duncansby Head and to the John o'Groats Mill. Additional phases would see the building out of Market Street, additional renovation of commercial and residential units, the possible relocation of the craft village, creation of more car parking and creation of a new hotel. Work on the ground will begin in the autumn. Two leading UK tourism partners, Heritage GB and Natural Retreats, will redevelop and extend the derelict John O'Groats House Hotel site providing high quality self catering accommodation. In addition, an exclusive development of luxury self catering lodges will be created. This will incorporate sustainable construction techniques and locally sourced materials including Caithness Stone, home grown timber and turf roofs. Progress is already being made on developing public art for John O’Groats, both during the restoration and in the longer term. The project is a great example of partnership working with the local community, the public and private sector all pulling together to shape the future of John O’Groats. It is a key development for the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership. HIE, Highland Council, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the Scottish Government bring their combined skills and resources to support ambitious projects which diversify the local economy.

02/10/2026

🛑James Miller is unfortunately no longer able to attend 🛑

The first event over the JOG 150 weekend is sponsored by John O'Groats Book Festival, and will feature three fantastic local writers presenting on an array of topics 📚 Friday 9th October, 7pm. Free.

Prizes will also we awarded for the winners of this years' Bill Mowat Memorial Short Story Competition 📝

About our writers:

Barbara Henderson is best known for her children's novels, like I Don't Do Mountains and the Chessman Thief. For this talk she will mostly be chatteing about her 2025 book, To War with Wallace 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿⚔️

You might ken Bryony Robinson as the Development Manager for the JOGMT. She is also a writer and historic building expert. She'll be chatting historic bridges 🌁

To book, or for more info, give Ian a shout on 07715 493696. Or email us at [email protected]

02/10/2026

With just over a week until John O'Groats 150, we thought we would make some posts up to showcase the four brilliant events we have lined up 🎂

What is John O'Groats 150? Well 150 years ago in 1876 (25 years before our mill was built!) the John O'Groats Hotel and road bridge were officially opened by the Prince of Wales 👑

This really marked the beginning of John O'Groats as the tourist destination it is today. While a lot has changed over the years, our cafes, sea stacks, and Groatie Buckies keep bringing visitors back ☕️

Now in 2026, we're celebrating with four great weekend events. We have everything from educational talks, crafts, baking, and tinkering. Fun for all ages! 🫓

Keep an eye out on our page over the next week for more info. For times and dates, see the poster in the comments 👇

02/07/2026

16/06/2026

14/06/2026

13/06/2026

Tomorrow Sunday 14 June

🚜 Tomorrow, Sunday 14th - The John O'Groats Vintage Rally 🚗

From cars to motorcycles to threshing machines, the Caithness And Sutherland Vintage And Classic Vehicle Club are promising their biggest rally yet! 10am - 4:30pm 🏍️

We will be joining in with a mill machinery demonstration at 4:30pm ⚙️ See the mill come to life in one of our special guided tours

For more information on the rally visit Caithness And Sutherland Vintage And Classic Vehicle Club page.

12/06/2026

Tonight Friday 12 June

09/06/2026

We will be photographing at Caithness And Sutherland Vintage And Classic Vehicle Club John O’ Groat Rally next Sunday!

🌟 Special offer 🌟

Discounted engraved slate with stand of your vehicle for £15

All photos will be available to purchase after the event, a link will be posted to view the gallery

We won’t have a stand this year, but please just shout on myself or Nicola if you need anything as always!

📸 🚘 🚜

09/06/2026

What's your favourite lighthouse?
John O'Groats Mill What's On In Caithness

Address

Wick
KW14YR

Telephone

+441847896115

Website

http://www.hie.co.uk/blog/john-o-groats

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