JOHN Q' GROAT'S HOUSE.

Otago Witness, Issue 1933, 25 February 1892, Page 39

JOHN Q' GROAT'S HOUSE.

James IV of Scotland sent Malcolm Gavin and John de Groat, two brothers, into Caithness, with a tetter written in Latin, recommending them to the kind regards of the people of that country. They became possessed of lands in the parish of AnibJey, on the banks of the Pentlami Firth, which were equally divided between them. In course of time there were eight families of the same name, who shared alike, and lived comfortably and peaceably for many years. These were accustomed to meet to celebrate the anniversary of the arrival of their progenitors. At one of these meetings it became a matter of dispute which of them was entitled to eDter first, and take the head of the table, which had like to have terminated fatally but for the presence o£ mind of John do Groat, proprietor of the ferry, who remonstrated with them ; pointed out the necessity of unanimity as regarded their own happiness, their respectability among their neighbours, and general safety from the inroads of those clars who might envy them, and take advantage of their dissensions. He then proposed the building of a house to which they should contribute equally ; and he promised at their next meeting he should so order matters as to prevent any dispute about precedency.

Havintr gained their assent, he proceeded to build a house, with a distinct room of an octagonal form, having eight doors and eight windows, in which he placed a table of oak with eight sides. At the next annual meefc-

ing, he desired each to enter singly at different doors and take the head of the table, himself entering last and taking the remaining unoccupied seat. By this ingenious manoeuvre they were all placed on an equal footing, and good humour and harmony were restored and established. Such was the origin of the sign of " John o1o 1 Groat's bouse.' 1