Jan De Groot back to John o’Groats
Many people who have visited John o’Groats will be aware of the history behind how the village gets its name. For those that don’t know, its named after an entrepreneur called Jan de Groot. Jan successfully operated a ferry service from the harbour to Orkney back in the mid-1400s.
He was quite a character (and obviously fairly virile) as he had 7 sons. Legend has it these boys were always arguing. To settle arguments Jan built an 8 sided house. The house had 8 doors so that the irritable sons and he never had to cross paths when entering or leaving the family home.
Garage Find
Whats the legend of Jan got to do with this? Well, imagine my surprise when I was scrolling through Facebook (other social media sites are available) and up pops a post of an old model of Jan de Groot. He was lying unloved in a garage and facing a one way ticket to the dump.
It turns out this model of Jan had had a somewhat tough life, most recently spending many years in a local watering hole. He certainly looked very tired and emotional when I first set eyes on him.
“I’ll rescue you Jan” I heroically thought, and piled him in the back of the Volvo. However, no sooner had I got him home and had a good look at him then I realised I was well out of my depth. Two many late nights at his last abode meant he was looking the worst for wear. His limbs were hanging off, his base was rusty, his hair was broken (I know the feeling). All his paintwork was chipped and he was missing more than the odd digit. I knew I was out of my depth.
A Saviour
No fear, I called a good friend Fiona Murray, a local artist and all round good egg to ask her advice on how to approach Jan’s recovery. Fiona absolutely came to my rescue and whisked Jan off my hands and back to her workshop. A lot of work ensured, from stripping him completely (typical of Fiona once she gets a man back to the house), and rebuilding him scratch. His base was polished up, his got new sandals, new fingers, a new charter made out of a broomstick, a new embroidered sash, new wiry hair (must ask Fiona to make me some), and a full on new coat of paint.
Back Home
Finally, after all Fiona’s hard work, Jan was lovingly returned to John o’Groats just 500 years after he left; following his retirement from the ferry business…. He is certainly is looking very smart and has got pride of place in the entrance to the visitor centre.
Come along and say “Hello” to him, he may do you a deal on ferry tickets.
