Skip to content

Historic Caithness mill opens as visitor attraction

John O Groats Mill Trust Large stone three storey building with rusty red coloured window frames and shutters. There is a walkway with railings around the outside of the buildingJohn O Groats Mill Trust
The John O Groats Mill has been carefully restored including its original water wheel and gears.

A historic mill in John O' Groats has opened to the public as a heritage centre following a £4.5m restoration project.

Visitors to the B-listed building which dates back to 1901 can learn how a watermill works and find out about the history of the area.

It also has space for hosting events, providing a new venue for the local community.

The mill is linked to the popular John O' Groats signpost by an all-abilities coastal path with views over to Orkney.

John O'Groats Mill Trust Metal interlocking cogs and wheels and a red sign explaining the process of using flowing water to power the millstonesJohn O'Groats Mill Trust
The original working parts of the mill have been carefully restored

John O' Groats Mill Trust chairman Rognvald Brown said the completion of the project was "wonderful" as there had been concern about the landmark falling into serious disrepair.

He said: "We've got our mill now and it's not going to fall down.

"It means an awful lot to the community."

Mr Brown added: "We've had a lot of local people in already and the response has been overwhelmingly positive."