John O'Groats

Scotland > Highland Counties > Caithness > John O'Groats

Near the John O'Groats Hotel a mound and flag pole mark the site where Jan de Groot, a Dutchman, had his house during the reign of James IV (1488 - 1513). He built an octagonal house with eight doors, one for each of his seven sons. Jan de Groot ran the ferry to Orkney and charged a 2p coin a trip. The coin of this denomination became known as the 'groat'. He is buried in the Canisbay churchyard where his tombstone can be seen inside the entrance porch. Since those times the name Jan de Groot has changed to John O'Groats.

Today you are no longer greeted with just a windswept car park, a hotel and the old souvenir shop when you arrive at John O'Groats. A new tourist information centre and quality shops for craft and other products provide something to appeal to most visitors.

The John o' Groats ferry that carries foot passengers across the short distance to Orkney coupled with the upgraded facilities make the place a real destination worth the long journey north.

The opening of another ferry route to Orkney, for vehicles and passengers, from the Gills Bay, a few miles west of John o' Groats is a welcome development.