PICTURES: Visitors come face to face with Johnny Groat at John O'Groats
Tourists at John O'Groats had a chance encounter with a larger-than-life local celebrity who stepped out of the pages of a children's book.
The tartan-clad, vividly orange-bearded Johnny Groat ventured from his cave and into the village where he mingled cheerfully with onlookers.
One visitor remarked: “You don’t see that every day!”
It was Johnny’s first appearance in John O’Groats since his debut book – The Adventures of Johnny Groat, by Colin Sinclair – was released in October last year.
Johnny was seen waving enthusiastically to tourists beside the harbour and at the end-of-the-road landmark as people queued for photo opportunities with him.
Author Colin said: “I am overwhelmed by how well the book has been received by the public and I’m thrilled that Johnny now has a physical presence in the community.”
Local businessman Walter Mowat was on hand to officially welcome Johnny to John O'Groats and complimented him on his impressive outfit.
Johnny's next public outing will be at the Mey Games on Saturday, August 6, when he hopes to see many of those who have been reading about his adventures.
The book is available from local stockists and at www.johnnygroat.co.uk
In the story, Johnny finds himself shipwrecked on the north-east tip of Caithness.
At the time of the launch, Colin said he had fulfilled a lifetime ambition by writing the book and he hoped it would "entertain, amuse and excite" young readers.
Johnny was the brainchild of Colin along with his sons Arran and Lewis.
The book features illustrations by Mandy Sinclair.
