OUR
PROJECTS
As a community on the remote north coast of mainland UK we have needs that are not met by central funding or services therefor we have to be creative in how we maintain our beautiful area for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors.
We work hard to create a place that is welcoming to all and keeps local residents voices heard so future improvements can be made with their needs at the forefront.
Below are just some of the projects we have undertaken since our inception. Our goal is to make John O'Groats a welcoming, thriving and enjoyable place for both visitors and residents.
WHAT WE DID DURING 2019-2020
2020 has been an especially difficult year for everyone but despite this our community has continued to support one another in many different ways. Below are some highlights of the projects we have undertaken to make our community a better pace to be.
NEW START & FINISH STONES
Local business A&D Sutherland have kindly donated a selection of stone that will be used to create new start and finish stone markers along with a series of stones that will create a new photo opportunity for visitors.
Supported By:
A & D Sutherland, Parking Donations
ART
PACKS
JOG Development Trust has in partnership with Canisbay School Parent Council (in particular Mairi-Anne Cormack) secured funding to offer some 'Art Packs' to anyone living in the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area.
Supported By:
Canisbay School Parent Council
NEW
PLAYGROUND
A new playground has been installed outside the Groatie Buckie Gift Shop for locals and visitors to enjoy. This new installation was made possible by generous donations to our parking fund and Stroubster Wind Farm.
Supported By:
Stroupster Wind Farm, Parking Donations
PARKING DONATIONS
Parking donations from visitors to John O'Groats raised over £21,000 within the first three months of being introduced.
The money will help fund projects to enhance the village, boosting its appeal to tourists and making it more attractive for locals.
Supported By:
Kind Visitors and Locals
JIGSAWS
JOG Development Trust has received some funding to purchase jigsaws and distribute them to anyone in the Dunnet & Canisbay Community Council area that would like one. As we have a limited number it will be first come first served. They are mainly 1000 piece, but we do have some at 500 pieces.
Supported By:
Parking Donations
FOGHORN RESTORATION
Work on a seafarers' memorial at John O'Groats is progressing well with the old Duncansby foghorn now taking pride of place on the seafront.
The freshly painted red foghorn has been moved to its new home behind the Last House in an area that had been spruced up for the occasion.
Supported By:
Northern Lighthouse Board, Stroupster Wind Farm, Parking Donations
FOOTBALL
TRAINING KITS
In collaboration with John O’Groats Junior Football Club, the JOG Trust secured funding and purchased a number of Football Training Kits.
The kits include a football, training marker cones, a training hurdle and a training session planner and were intended to help with home practice during COVID-19.
Supported By:
HIE
NEW
SIGNAGE
Some new signage erected around John O’Groats, now the signpost can stay clean, white and sticker free!
A new 5mph speed limit has been implemented in the main carpark to make it safer for all. Hopefully Stagecoach will adhere and stick to the 5mph! We will be keeping an eye out to make sure.
Supported By:
Parking Donations, John O' Groats Development Fund
COVID-19 SUPPORT
Over fifty volunteers offered their time to help during COVID-19.
We have helped many people who were unable to get things for themselves and some volunteers have carried out many hundreds of miles of runs for food, prescriptions or other goods and services for these people.
Totting up the miles it really does make us think what great value there is in the ability to shop local if we can and how valuable having a local dispensary is. Local services really do matter in our scattered community.
Supported By:
HIE
NEW
PATHS
We are working on adding new paths around John O'Groats to make the beautiful spaces more accessible to everyone. Local contractors are working with us to upgrade existing paths and extend & create new ones.
Supported By:
Northern Lighthouse Board, Stroupster Wind Farm, Parking Donations
GROWING
INITIATIVE
The John O'Groats Development Trust Growing initiative aims to get kids (and people of any age) involved in small scale gardening with the aim of supporting mental well-being in the community; fostering and maintaining a sense of community and setting in place an activity which can continue post Covid-19 and enhance the community.
Supported By:
STV, Woodside Nursery Castletown and Westlea Plants, Lybster
SIGN POST
RENOVATION
John O’Groats Signpost has been re-erected today after a complete and costly overhaul to rid it of the damage that was inflicted on it by anyone who thought sticking stickers all over it was a good idea!
We hope everyone will respect it now and refrain from sticking anything to it so that everyone can capture their photo or selfie at that this world famous destination.
Supported By:
Parking Donations
TALES
O'GROATS
We hope to publish a website and possibly a book of your stories and pictures. We are not just looking for stories from long ago here. This is about your knowledge, not just your grandparents, we want your memories of recent times too. Especially from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s onwards. However old you are you will have something to contribute. There will be a chapter on how lock down felt for you too.
Supported By:
STV