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Cara Young, Puffin Croft, John o'Groats

Cara Young, Miss Puffin
Moved to John o’Groats, Caithness in 2016

From City Lights to Northern Nights: Meet Miss Puffin, the Heart of Puffin Croft in John o’Groats.

Perched on rolling farmland overlooking the Pentland firth, Puffin Croft is a haven for all creatures: feathered, four-legged, woolly and wiry – there’s always room for one more! Miss Puffin, more officially known as Cara Young, moved to the croft just outside of John o’Groats in 2016, in search of a new adventure and hasn’t looked back.

Located in John o’Groats, Puffin Croft Petting Farm, B&B and Farm Shop is the most northernly of its kind in the UK. Guests are welcomed by the infectious smile and warm energy of farm owner Cara, also known as Miss Puffin, and her merry gaggle of animals; tails wagging and feathers fluttering.

Becoming Miss Puffin has been an exciting chapter in Cara’s own fascinating story. As young woman, her creative soul led her from her home in North West England on a bohemian adventure to Paris, studying art before becoming a professional Nanny. Over the next 25 years, Cara travelled worldwide, working in New York, Paris and London, before taking on the petting farm in Caithness and following her dream of finding a place to put down roots and make a new life for herself surrounded by animals. The busy croft now hosts a lively family of donkeys, dogs, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies, rabbits, sheep and ducks who have found their forever home with Miss Puffin.

Cara’s journey at Puffin Croft was documented in the Channel 5 documentary “Make a New Life in the Country” with Ben Fogle, and gave insight into the hard work and determination Cara has put into force in creating her business and dream life. After purchasing the property, Cara has worked to turn her home and petting farm into a thriving B&B and bijou farm shop, from where she sells her own handmade candles and soaps alongside the work of local artisans and fresh farm produce.

“I feel so safe and settled here too, John O’Groats is a beautiful part of the world, the nature and scenery is stunning and the people are some of the friendliest I have ever met. It’s a great community to be part of and I’m so happy I chose to make a home here.”

Reflecting on her life in Caithness, Cara explained how life and community connection in Caithness have surpassed her expectations and why “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, from the 1964 musical Funny Girl, has become the soundtrack to her life in the North Highlands.

Cara shares “I always dreamed of owning donkeys and a job that involved cuddling cute animals. After we lost our mother I was at a crossroads in my life. It made me realise life is precious and short and I should follow my dreams. My sister supported me through a business plan and sent me the link to the farm online, I was living in London at the time, I visited the next weekend and nine weeks later I was here!”

“I have always believed that taking a risk comes with a 50% chance of failure. However, if you don’t even try, you will certainly fail 100% of the time. So, why not take the leap? The documentary with Ben Fogle has helped me connect with people from all over the world. I have received letters from people who have been inspired by my story. Some have made significant changes in their lives, such as starting a business or moving to a new place. Others have taken smaller steps, like trying something new.”

“Life at Puffin Croft is incredibly rewarding, but my first few years here were challenging. When I first took on the farm, I faced many obstacles that I had to overcome, unexpected loss of animals, tough winters, and of course more recently the challenges of running a small business through lockdown. However, the experience has taught me a lot about my own strengths, particularly my tenacity and determination to think creatively through any problems that come my way. Another important lesson I’ve learned is the value of maintaining a positive mental attitude. Life can be tough at times, but my resilience and ability to bounce back have helped me face challenges head-on.”

“The community here in Caithness has been tremendously welcoming and I have received invaluable support from both my neighbours and people in the local farming community. From advice on my animals to guidance through my first lambing and even instruction on how to trim the goat’s hooves, everyone was so willing to help and generously gave their time and knowledge.”

“I feel so safe and settled here too, John O’Groats is a beautiful part of the world, the nature and scenery is stunning and the people are some of the friendliest I have ever met. It’s a great community to be part of and I’m so happy I chose to make a home here.”

“I have never worked harder in my life and at times friends and loved ones questioned if I had done the right thing. But like my theme song, “Don’t Rain on My Parade”, maybe I will be amazing and fly high, maybe I will fall flat on my face, but at least I’ve given it a go! At least I can say I have really lived a life, rather than just playing it safe.”