John O'Groats' historic mill set to be handed over

A FAMILY connection to the historic John O'Groats mill stretching back to 1750 will come to an end next week.

The Houston family, whose links with the building go back six generations, will be handing it over to the John O'Groats Mill Trust on Monday.

Trust chairman Rognvald Brown said that as a result of the family continuity the Groats mill "survived long after all other corn mills ground to a halt".

The trust, which was set up about four years ago, has ambitions plans for the mill as a hub for local people and visitors, although its plans have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Brown said: "The aim is that the mill should be maintained and able to grind local grain but also become a community focal point, allowing all sorts of activities and interests to develop, including a drop-in social meeting place, a place to appreciate our heritage, providing learning opportunities for all, a place to stimulate creative skills and enterprise.

"We couldn’t have got to this point without the support of the community but critical in creating the initial concept has been the support of the North Highland Initiative and that of the Duke of Rothesay [the title of Prince Charles when he is in Scotland]."

Mr Brown also pointed out that the Scottish Land Fund, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Highland Leader, the Architectural Heritage Fund and Foundation Scotland have provided financial support and advice.

Mr Brown admits it is is going to take "a little while to bring all our plans to fruition" but stresses there is a lot of community support for the project.

"The coming weeks and months will be exciting times for the old mill and I think it's safe to say its next century will be its busiest yet," he added.

• John O'Groats Mill plans are 'still progressing'

• Timescale set for bringing John O'Groats Mill back into public use

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