The iconic John O'Groats hotel is set to have one final moment of glory before work begins to redevelop it as part of the regeneration of the well known tourist location later this year.

It will form the centre piece of 'Transform', a weekend of community celebration at the start of July at John O'Groats featuring street art, video projections, ceramic firings, story-telling, and music.

The event is part of a wider arts strategy drawn up following consultation with locals, visitors and businesses on their vision for the future of the village.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has now invested £50,000, which has been matched with £58,500 of European LEADER funding, to deliver a range of projects to ensure that creative involvement is an integral part of the future design.

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Carol Gunn, head of transformational projects with HIE, said: "One of the messages we got loud and clear from local people is that the future shape of John O'Groats, while meeting the needs of tourists, should also reflect the culture and heritage of the village.

"We have appointed a group of artists to kick-off the redevelopment through a range of exciting new projects, many involving the community as contributors. This community work has already started and the artists' projects will culminate in this weekend of arts activity for all the family with temporary works, events and an arts ceilidh."

With building work starting in the Autumn, the various projects will address long term design elements and the 'Transform' artists are creating temporary works that reflect and celebrate the changes about to take place.

Carol commented: "The transformation of John O'Groats is so important socially and economically to the local area. We are delighted that by kicking off our arts project now we can raise awareness both locally and nationally about the changes which are taking place here - and can invite people to be part of the process as it unfolds. We will be working with local schools and groups and we hope visitors at John O'Groats will enjoy seeing the Transform arts projects come together."

(GK)