John O'Groats tourist information

The starting or ending point of so many journeys, John O'Groats is the last settlement in Scotland at the very tip of the Highlands.

The village is a small windswept coastal community, with a harbour offering trips to the nearby Orkney Islands and pleasure cruises to view the local sealife. It was named after the Dutchman Jan de Groot who was given the right to operate the ferry service in the 15th century.

While often visited just to say that you have (and to get the official stamp from the Journeys End Cafe), John O'Groats is an interesting place to spend a while. There are lovely coastal views and walks in the area, including at Dunnet Head, the actual most northerly point in Scotland. The village also has a number of gift shops and the quirky Last House and Museum which displays local historical artefacts - and there are plans to improve the area further with an upcoming redevelopment scheme.