Our Journey

In 2017 the John O’Groats Mill Trust was formed by local people who wished to see the mill brought back into sustainable use for the community.  Without a new use, it was clear that the mill which had ceased production in 2001, would slowly deteriorate and the iconic building would be lost.

Following community consultation on what the new use should be, The Mill Trust embarked on a long journey to create a new heritage visitor attraction and community venue whilst preserving this rare example of a working watermill intact.

A complex jigsaw of funding was put in place whilst designs to repair and extend the mill were finalised and in November 2023, works finally started on site.  2025 saw the conclusion of everybody’s hard work on the project come to a successful end when the new facility opened up to visitors at the end of May.

• Main Contractor – O’Brien Construction
• Architect – McGregor Bowes
• QS – Torrance Partnership
• Structural Engineer – Narro Associates
• M&E Engineer – Rybka

Funded By:

• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• Regeneration Capital Grant Fund
• Historic Environment Scotland
• Community Ownership Fund
• SSE Renewables Sustainable Development Fund
• Highlands & Islands Enterprise
• Dounreay Socio-economic Fund
• Garfield Weston Foundation
• Wolfson Foundation
• Stroupster Wind Farm Fund
• Highland Council Community Regeneration Fund
• Scottish Land Fund
• North Highland Initiative
• Architectural Heritage Fund

May 2025 saw the opening of the mill as brand new heritage visitor attraction and community venue.

With a new extension and interpretation explaining the history and heritage of the mill, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals into this special community space.