Some interest in buying John O'Groats ferry firm but 'business as usual' for now
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Some interest has been expressed in buying the ferry business at John O'Groats – but the present owners say it will be "business as usual" until any deal goes through.
The 2022 season has now drawn to a close, with bookings already being taken for next year.
It was announced in July that John O'Groats Ferries was 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 business 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’s business as usual until a deal goes through. We’re already taking bookings for next year with a view to running things exactly as we always have, and if a sale is finalised over the winter we’ll still be here to ensure that any changeover is seamless.
"We’ve been quite pleased with the way this summer has gone. Social distancing on our coaches last year was a real bugbear – reduced coach capacity made viability impossible.
"Thankfully that is now history and we are beginning to get back on track. I would say we’ve seen an upsurge in European group travel in the latter part of the season and that augurs well for next summer.
"I’m also pleased to say that our own tours – the maxi day tour and wildlife cruises – have fared pretty well. In fact I would say the future is looking bright for the business.
"It gives us some reassurance that if we don’t sell we will be happy to stay on for a little longer. It’s still an enjoyable way to make a living, but at this stage of the year we all need a good rest."
The business was started in 1971 by Ian Thomas, father of Deborah and Ivor.
Speaking at the time it was put up for sale, Mr Fermor said: "None of us here are getting any younger and we just decided to use our time in a different way, a new direction.
"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.
"We would be pleased for the business to continue on under new leadership. It’s got great potential."
- Today (September 30) would have been the last day of the season for John O'Groats Ferries but sailings have been cancelled because of the gale-force south-easterlies.
