John O'Groats Transformation

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 squar

e, 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.

03/06/2026
02/06/2026

It was fantastic to finally welcome visitors ashore yesterday and begin sharing the island and it's history.

After months of preparation, seeing our first group exploring Stroma made it all worthwhile.

A huge thank you to everyone who has booked a tour so far and to everyone who has supported us since the beginning. We’re looking forward to welcoming many more of you on board throughout the season ahead.

👉 Visit our website to learn more about upcoming Island Tours and availability: https://stromawildlifecruises.com/stroma-island-tour/

31/05/2026

Where does the time go? One year ago the John O'Groats Mill opened its doors as a community venue and museum

We are so grateful to everyone who has visited our museum, attended our events, and spread the word. Your support keeps our old mill's great gears turning (not really, that's the water, but it keeps the lights on!) ⚙️

Thank you also to our funders, contractors, and committee who brought our historic mill back to life. Here's to a great year two and 125th birthday of our mill 🎂

Photo credit to SDM Photography

28/05/2026

The next event in the 2026 John O’Groats Book Festival programme will be one to savour as Bunty Gunn talks about her Caithness cookery guide.
It takes place at Waterlines heritage centre in Lybster on Saturday, June 6, when the focus will be on Bunty Gunn’s Caithness Kitchen: Recipes from the Land and the Sea. Bunty will be taking part remotely.
Read more in the comments.

Tonight 22 May
22/05/2026

Tonight 22 May

It's tonight in John O'Groats Mill
See you there
What's On In Caithness John O' Groats Development Trust

14/05/2026

WE WON!!! 🏆✨

Groats Gifts has officially been named Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Scotland at the Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2026 in London tonight 😭💛

Honestly… we are completely overwhelmed.

From opening our doors in 2021 during Covid, to standing here tonight representing our wee shop in John O’Groats on a national stage — it’s hard to put into words what this means to us.

Thank you to our incredible team, our loyal customers, our suppliers, our local community and everyone who has supported us along the way. This award belongs to all of you too.

We are SO proud of our little corner at the very top of Scotland tonight 🥂✨

28/04/2026

We're looking for seasonal staff to join our Castle of Mey team ✨

📞 Granary Lodge Receptionist
🛏️ Granary Lodge Housekeeping

Please send your CV to [email protected] to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

26/04/2026

🍺 Opportunity to Join the Team!

Are you looking for a unique role at an iconic location?

**The Last House** in John o’ Groats is looking for energetic, friendly individuals to join our team for the upcoming season and potentially longer!

# # # **The Role**
You’ll be the face of the brewery, working across both our **vibrant bar** and our **retail shop**. One minute you’ll be pouring a perfect pint, and the next you’ll be helping visitors find the perfect souvenir or gift.

# # # **What’s on Offer?**
* **Full-time hours** available for the duration of the season.
* **Flexible options:** We’re happy to chat about part-time or shift patterns that work for you.
* A stunning work location with views you won't find anywhere else.
* A fun, supportive team environment.

# # # **What We’re Looking For:**
* **Reliability:** We need people we can count on during the busy season.
* **Flexibility:** Shifts will include some evenings and weekends.
* **Transport:** Due to our unique location, having your **own transport** is highly preferred.
* **Energy:** A positive "can-do" attitude is a must!

# # # **How to Apply**

📥 **Drop us a message right here on Facebook** or **Email your CV to [[email protected]]**

*Tag a friend who’d be perfect for this!* 👇

12/02/2026

We interrupt our regular Mill Word of the Week to announce our newest weekly event, Freelance Fridays.

'What are Freelance Fridays?', you ask. They are a weekly, informal drop-in, aimed at freelancers, creatives, and general work-from-home-types 🧑‍💻

Take your laptop, have a coffee, work away 💻 A bit like a cafe, but with the opportunity for peer support, if you need it.

We will be running these (for free!) until the end of March. If you like them, we can keep it going over the summer months too. First session this Friday the 13th 🦇

Address

Wick
KW14YR

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