PICTURES: Knockout publicity for Caithness as boxing legend Tyson Fury hits Groats on busy filming schedule
Boxing legend Tyson Fury dropped into John O’Groats last night as part of a filming schedule for a Netflix series and was described as “a really nice and down-to-earth guy”.
Leanne Steven was working at her parents’ business, John O'Groats Caravan and Camping Site when Tyson, known as the Gypsy King, arrived on Tuesday evening.
“He was a lovely down-to-earth man and very friendly,” said the 22-year-old who confirmed that he stayed at the site for one night.
Leanne shared her mum’s phone number and Caroline Steven said: “He came later on last night and was a really friendly guy.
“The filming crew and cast members of the Netflix production were with him. As far as I know, he’s got a Netflix series called At Home With The Furys, and series one has already been done. This was him recording for series two.”
Caroline said that the Gypsy King was quite happy to spend the night sleeping in his car while crew members pitched up in tents close by. “They call it car camping nowadays, and it’s not unusual for people to do that.”
The camping site at John O’Groats is a family-run business, having been established and run by the Steven family since 1930. “We are now the fourth generation of Stevens to own and run the business.
“We’re also in our 95th year now, so I think that’s pretty good going in the current climate.”
Caroline said that Tyson had his father with him during his stay at the far north village. “It was a pleasure to have them all stay with us,” she added.
The tiny village punches above its weight and has had its fair share of celebrities visiting to take part in John O’Groats to Land’s End (Jogle) charity runs. Ex-footballer and reality TV celebrity Ashley Cain finished his charity cycle ride at John O'Groats to a hero's welcome with many local supporters turning up at an event in 2021.
Bob Carlisle (1848-1912) helped popularise the Jogle route as he pushed a wheelbarrow along the way, achieving celebrity status during the Victorian era.
Tyson and his film crew just managed to make last orders at the John O’Groats Brewery and had a pint of the local ale with venue manager Julie MacGregor.
Local businessman Andrew Mowat, co-director of the brewery and owner of Cafe Groats, said: “They had pre-booked for breakfast and 11 of them came in. It was great to have them visit and speak to them. It’s great publicity for the local John O’Groats businesses and Caithness.
“Our chef Angel Barrett cooked their breakfast this morning. We gave them all Groatie Buckies as a good luck charm from John O'Groats. I told him they weren’t found in many places in the UK, and if you have one in your pocket, you’ll never run out of money.”
Tyson was seen on his journey south today (June 18), as reported in an article published in the Ross-shire Journal, and spoke to fans during a pit stop in Alness.
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