We hope it is not the end: Loss of John O'Groats ferry service would be 'a great blow'
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The loss of the long-established ferry service from John O'Groats would be "a great blow to the area", according to the chairman of the local community council.
Eric Green was speaking after the 2023 season came to an end for John O'Groats Ferries – potentially its last, unless a buyer comes forward.
The business has been run by members of the same family for more than half a century and they put it up for sale last summer as a going concern. It is on the market for £1.2 million.
Mr Green, chairman of Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council, said: "The community council recognises the hundreds of thousands of people, including many locals, who have travelled on the ferry and enjoyed the tours. It would be a great blow to the area and to local people if this were to be the final season.
"We thank the current operators for what has been an iconic service and hope that it is not the end."
The season was due to conclude on September 30 but bad weather meant the last sailing on the Pentland Venture took place on Wednesday.
Mr Green added: "I am sure that there were tears in a few people's eyes when the Pentland Venture's horn was blown when she entered John O'Groats harbour."
The company is run jointly by Deborah Fermor, her brother Ivor Thomas and Deborah’s husband Fred, with eight year-round employees and about six seasonal staff.
It was started in 1971 by Ian Thomas, father of Deborah and Ivor. Mr Fermor estimates the business has carried more than a million passengers over the years, crossing the Pentland Firth some 50,000 times.
He acknowledged that Wednesday had been "a bittersweet day in some respects, but a time for looking back and remembering some great moments".
Mr Fermor said: "It has been good to contribute to the tourist industry and give lots of people fantastic memories. But for me, personally, it has been more about working with great characters over the years.
"Bar none, we’re all getting a bit long in the tooth, so it’s also a time to look forward to the next stage of everyone’s lives. Perhaps for all of us it’s a natural time to quit – while we’re ahead.
"However, I would reiterate that the business is still up for sale and I very much hope that someone, perhaps local, will pick up the baton. That would be great to see for Caithness.
"Although we’ve priced it at £1.2m, we would urge anyone with an interest to make a sensible offer and we would certainly look at it."
Daily services have operated between John O'Groats and Orkney from May to September, with wildlife cruises every day in the summer months. There have also been Inverness to Orkney tours, incorporating a coach trip.
Mr Fermor apologised to passengers who had booked for the latter part of this week.
"We had to cancel the last couple of days," he said. "We apologise to passengers who had already booked, but late September can be a bit unpredictable."
The sale is being handled by Christie & Co, of Glasgow. It has described John O’Groats Ferries Ltd as "a unique lifestyle business in a stunning part of Scotland", with scope to extend the trading season.
Earlier this year Mark Lavery, associate director at Christie & Co, said: “The opportunity gives any prospective buyer a ready-built, robust business with a reliable, strong income stream from day one and would suit an operator who would relish a true ‘lifestyle change’ business with high profit margins.”
