John O'Groats Mill
Visit the last working watermill in Caithness.
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Explore John O’Groats Mill – a restored working watermill

A remarkable historic building on Scotland’s north coast

Located on the edge of the most northerly settlement on the UK mainland, the John O’Groats Mill is a window into the area’s past, and a place where stories of community, craftsmanship, and rural life come alive. The heart of local grain production for centuries, the mill has been newly restored and reopened in 2025. It holds the character and charm of a working site, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and imagine the bustle of days gone by.

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Dating back to the Viking Age, the John O’Groats Mill site is where the invading Norsemen likely began milling ‘Bere’, an ancient form of barley. In 1750, the local Houston family acquired the site. They operated the mill until 2001, when the last miller passed away. 

A dedicated community team have worked over many years to enable the building to be restored and reopened to the public. 

The Mill is open from May to October, six days a week 10am-4:30pm (Last entry 4pm), and is closed on Wednesdays.

 

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Visit one of Scotland’s last working watermills

An attraction for all ages

Step back in time to see how grain was once processed, how milling techniques evolved, and the part these watermills played in Scotland’s rural life. Learn about the history and the milling process, from field to table in the exhibitions. You can also hear the real stories of the local people who relied on the mill for livelihood and sustenance, and see the mill in motion during live machinery demonstrations.

The John O’Groats Mill is great fun for the whole family, with activities for children, including colouring, puzzles, and a station to grind your own grain. The entire building is also accessible to wheelchairs, with a lift to each floor.

Visiting the John O’Groats Mill

How to get there

The John O’Groats Mill is located on the A836, 1/2 mile west of the Seaview Hotel. Parking is available on site. The mill can also be accessed on foot by following the ‘John O’Groats Mill Trail’ accessible coastal footpath west from the John O’Groats signpost. After your visit, soaking up the calm and beauty of the surrounding grounds overlooking the Pentland Firth, before visiting the attractions, distillery, shops and brewery at John O’Groats.

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