This week marks the 15th anniversary of a masterplan that has helped to transform John O’Groats from a onetime recipient of the ‘2010 Carbuncle Award – Most dismal town in Scotland’ to a thriving visitor attraction.
The masterplan was launched in 2009 and shaped by the views of local residents, businesses, tourists 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.
15 years on from the launch, the transformation at John O’Groats - the northern outpost of mainland Britain - has attracted millions of pounds in investment through private, public and community-led initiatives.
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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 also 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, 8 Doors Distillery strengthened the vibe of the village by transforming a derelict site into a thriving local business that celebrates both heritage and innovation.
Meanwhile, The John O’Groats Mill Trust is progressing a £4.9 million redevelopment of this Grade 2-listed landmark into a local heritage hub and visitor attraction after securing significant external investment.
Trust chairman Rognvald Brown said the redevelopment will allow the mill to be "a gathering place for the whole community" once more.
The mill is the last of the great Caithness corn mills and was in operation until around 2001.
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.”
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