John O'Groats ferry business put up for sale as going concern
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The ferry business at John O'Groats is being put up for sale as a going concern after being run by members of the same family for more than half a century.
The owners point out that the process is at an early stage but say the business has "great potential" and they are keen to see it carry on under new leadership.
John O'Groats Ferries began in 1971 and the company is now run jointly by Deborah Fermor, her brother Ivor Thomas and Deborah’s husband Fred. There are about 10 staff.
Daily services operate between John O'Groats and Orkney from the beginning of May until the end of September on the passenger ferry Pentland Venture, with wildlife cruises every day until the end of August.
Mr Fermor said: "It wasn’t an easy decision to put the business up for sale. It was started by Ian Thomas [father of Deborah and Ivor] more than 50 years ago, so emotions want you to keep on going. Also it has been a very enjoyable way to earn a living.
"However, none of us here are getting any younger and we just decided to use our time in a different way, a new direction. Whether or not that is as fulfilling remains to be seen, but we just felt that now is the time to explore other things.
"If we don’t change now we could happily work here longer."
Mr Fermor described the business as "very much a family concern".
He explained: "Deborah runs the office, Ivor runs the boat and I work on the pier and in the office helping wherever I can. Deborah has been working here for 40 years, I’ve been here for more than 30 years and Ivor about the same.
"Deborah’s mum is still about and she has been here since the very start. We’ve worked hard over the years to try to provide as good a service as we can to support the tourist industry in Caithness and hopefully we have done this.
"The staff were first to know – that was extremely important to us. I think they were a little surprised. Perhaps because it is such a pleasant working environment and we’ve been here so long that it becomes natural to assume it will continue as always.
"However, it is a good business and we have good staff who know how to run it, so we hope their welfare will be as important to the new owners as it has been to us. It’s early days in this process and we are very hopeful it will all work out well for everyone."
Mr Fermor acknowledged that the pandemic had been a difficult period but said the business had emerged in a strong position.
"Caithness is so special," he said. "I think it’s the character of the people that makes it such a great place. Well, that alongside the scenery, the wildlife and just the general feel of summertime in Caithness.
"Of course it’s our home and that makes it special too. It’s great to be involved in the local tourist industry and being part of the fabric of the place and contributing to its success over the years.
"I can’t pinpoint one particular moment as a highlight over all the years – possibly our orca moments. I think we’ve tried to enjoy each moment as it happens, and we’ve had the pleasure of working alongside great characters.
"The pandemic brought darker times for the industry and the nation but we have now weathered the worst of that storm. The good thing is we are now in the recovery phase and for the new owner the only way is up – we try to look at the positives.
"We would be pleased for the business to continue on under new leadership. It’s got great potential. This would be the best thing for the area and everyone involved."
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Anyone seeking further information can get in touch with the company at contact@jogferry.co.uk
