John O’ Groats, once named the “most dismal” place in Scotland, has now been transformed into a thriving community through a series of regeneration projects. In the past 15 years, the village has seen historic buildings restored, new businesses open, and new jobs created. Residents have come together to turn the village’s fortunes around, and it is now a popular tourist destination, with new coastal paths, a restored hotel, and even a new distillery.
When John O’ Groats was awarded the Carbuncle Award in 2010, the residents were upset. One of the reasons the village was targeted was because it had the most northerly derelict building, a hotel, on the British mainland. According to the award’s editorial team, John O’ Groats was “notorious for being so desolate” and described it as a “bleak outpost”. The award was a kick-starter for the community’s regeneration efforts, although residents felt it was an unfair target.
Since then, the community has worked hard to transform the village. The award was a catalyst for change, leading to the restoration of the historic hotel and the creation of new coastal paths. Local businesses have started to thrive, and new jobs have been created. The village is now a centre for tourism, with visitors coming to explore the John O’ Groats story and enjoy its beautiful surroundings.
One of the latest additions to the village is the Eight Doors Distillery. The distillery was taken forward by husband and wife Derek and Kerry Campbell and built almost entirely by local contractors. New jobs have been created at the distillery, with most filled by locals. For Ryan Sutherland, it has allowed him to return home to the area with his wife and start a family.
The regeneration of John O’ Groats has helped some people find a new future in another new business. The former Dounreay worker John Mainprize is a co-owner of John O’ Groats Brewery. The brewery creates different things to the business, including “the bar, interactions with the customers, great banter with the locals, and it’s wonderful meeting people who really appreciate having us at the end of the road.” There are also ongoing restoration projects in the village, such as the historic mill building, which is being converted into a visitor attraction and community space
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