John O' Groats

The “other” Lands End

Come to John O’Groats and stand at the very edge of the British mainland where you will be touched with a sense of eternity and impressed with limitless possibilities for exploring the north high highlands.

Many people are drawn here to this famous “other end of Britain” to cast their dreams across the Atlantic. They also come to visit the “Last House in Scotland” and the museum, which are both free. Here you will be presented with pictures and artefacts which present the history of a bygone age in an enjoyable and comprehensive format.

John O’Groats was named after Dutchman Jan de Groot who built a famous and unusual 8 sided house which had 8 doors. There was even an 8 sided table so there could be arguments as to who was head of table! Jan de Groot ran a ferry service to the Orkney Islands. The ferry journey cost two pence and became known as “the groat”. Over the course of time the village became known by its name, John O’Groats. Jan de Groot is buried at Canisbay Churchyard.

However From this village on the edge, you can still take a day trip to Orkney on the John O’Groats Ferries.

Close by John O’Groats a lighthouse sits on Duncansbay Head from which there are stunning and not to be forgotten views of sea and cliff with stone pinnacles rising out of the ocean.

The famous Castle of Mey was the holiday home for the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. It stands to the west of John O’Groats and is surrounded by wonderful views. The castle is now run as a trust and is open to the public at certain times of the year (See Castle of Mey). Still further west towards Thurso, is Castletown which was once famous for great stone quarries. (See Heritage Trail)

The lonely Island of Stroma lies to the north with its Lighthouse on the 15 to 20 feet high cliffs, and shoals of rocks reach well out into the sea, with the old Stroma harbour which is mostly tidal and not suitable for single keel boats, so sailors beware.

It has remained deserted since the last inhabitants left in 1962. However, it was once a thriving Scottish community as can be seen from the remaining houses and the old church which is still standing.

There was once a castle on Stroma. It is known as Mestag Castle and lies on the southwest end of the Island. Mestag was possibly built by the Vikings.

The name is thought to derive form the word “maastack” meaning seagull rock. Sadly all that remains of the building are a few courses of the original walls.

Although there has been no permanent human presence on Stroma for so many years we have at our disposal a book which uses words and pictures to illustrate how people lived on this typically Scottish island An entire chapter in Donald Young’s book “Stroma” is dedicated to the verse and prose penned by those on and around the island. It is from this source that the reader is provided with a feeling for what life on this island was all about. The writing conveys deep affection for a special place. In his poem "Farewell to Stroma", William J Sinclair of West Side speaks, one believes, for all islanders, in this opening and closing verse.

Farewell, farewell, my native isle,
Since you and I must part
But tho' I cross the Pentland tide,
I leave with you my heart,
Forget thee, no, I never will,
Wherever I may go
Till wild flowers cease to bud and bloom,
Or tides to ebb and flow.
Farewell, farewell but not goodbye,
I shall return some day,
To walk those dear familiar paths,
And round each creek and bay,
Forget thee, no, I never will,
Your happy, friendly shore,
Till evening sun forgets to set,
And time shall be no more.

Nowadays the island is a nesting site for hundreds of terns and many other sea birds.