John o'Groats

Strictly speaking the northeastern tip of Scotland is Duncansby Head which lies 2mi/3km to the east of John O'Groats. The view from here is even more stunning.

Some 10mi/16km further on from Castle Mey, Dunnet Head juts out into the Pentland Firth. The tip marks the northernmost point of mainland Scotland and it offers fine views across to the Orkney Islands.

The tale is told of the Dutchman Jan de Grot (John o'Groats) who settled here in 1489 and is buried in Canisby church.

The Queen Mother owns Castle Mey which is situated by Tang Head to the west of John O'Groats. At certain times during the summer the castle garden is open to the public.

Old photographs and other memorabilia testify to the harsh existence of the region's fishermen and the sunken wrecks in the Pentland Firth.

Two souvenir shops beside the hotel await the countless visitors who descend on this otherwise lonely spot. It is possible to see the Orkney Islands from the cliff tops.