Mill complex formally handed over as 270-year family link comes to an end
A formal handover this week signalled the start of a new phase in the ambitious plan to transform John O'Groats Mill into a community hub and visitor attraction.
The keys to the historic complex were presented to John O'Groats Mill Trust by Sina Houston, ending the Houston family connection going back some 270 years through six generations.
Chairman Rognvald Brown was joined by other trust board members to mark the occasion.
The aim is to enable community use of the mill so that it becomes a multi-purpose hub tackling isolation and loneliness as well as providing educational, training and social opportunities for all ages.
"It will provide a focus for folk to appreciate the area's history and environment," Mr Brown explained.
"These ambitions have all been prioritised in response to several years of community consultation – and folk were determined the mill should not lose its original capacity to grind grain.
"The end result will be a tremendous asset to the whole county, improving the quality of life for many, adding another 'must see' for visitors, and in doing so will help to make Caithness a destination in its own right with the knock-on economic benefits."
The trust has a membership of around 500 and a board of 11.
