Family history Laird of John O'Groates

Laird of John O´Groates

In the Pentland Firth, where the Scottish mainland faces the Orkney Islands, the Groat family has been documented since the late 15th century. A Certificate from 1496 granted John Groat, son of Hugh Groat, a „Pennyland“ in Duncansbay. In 1507 his son William received further land. This means that the family is securely documented in Caithness during the reign of James IV.

John Groat appears in 1523 as the steward of the Earl of Caithness. The family's connection with the ferry to Orkney became particularly important: in 1549 another John Groat received the ferry house, the right to ferry traffic and land around the building. The Groats continued the ferry service in an inherited succession over many generations. Travelers, traders and pilgrims found in them the crucial transition over one of Scotland's most challenging sea routes.

A cheerful legend emerged about the family. According to the story, eight branches argued over who should take the honor of sitting at the table during a feast. Old John then built a octagonal house with eight doors and an octagonal table: each guest entered through a separate entrance and sat at the head end at the same time. Whether this building actually existed is not certain; the story made equality and family peace the hallmark of the place.

As late as 1735, it was reported that men named Groat had been taking over the house near Duncansby from their father to their son for almost two centuries. Later, „John o’ Groats“ became the name of the entire settlement and a famous destination at the end of long journeys through Great Britain.

No historical Laird title is documented for the Groats. Their actual achievements are more tangible: they connected the mainland and the islands, gave a place its name, and left a narrative in which wit resolves a rank dispute.

Sources: Caithness Field Club, Highland Archive Service, Old Statistical Account of Scotland, History of Caithness

Family coat of arms Laird of John O'Groates

The heraldic title image combines the proven seafaring tradition of the Groat family with the history of the octagonal house on the Pentland Firth.

In blue, a silver ferry on silver-blue waves, above a golden eight-pointed star; in the base of the shield, a golden octagonal house; above the helm, an upright silver rudder between two golden stars; the sails are blue-silver, accompanied by heather and bay trees.

The Groat family has been based in Dunansbay since the 15th century and for generations has operated the ferry to Orkney.

Sources: Highland Archive Service, Old Statistical Account of Scotland, History of Caithness, Caithness Field Club