Ron June 9th, 2009
Yesterday I wrote about the ferry problems between Port Askaig and Feolin. The Eilean Dhiura had technical problems and was replaced with the Margaret Sinclair who had to leave later in the weel. At this moment the vehicle ferry MV Eigg from Calmac is servicing the route between Port Askaig and Feolin until the Eilean Dhiura returns on Thursday, if all goes as planned.
Ron June 7th, 2009
I just read this article in the Herald about the problems with the current Jura Ferry ‘Eilean Dhiura’. It seems that the usual relief ferry is called to Mull leaving the connection between Islay and Jura without a ferry. Below a quote from the article:
The Isle of Jura faces being effectively cut off this week after being left without a car ferry service. Residents on Jura fear for tourism and safety after its normal car link was forced to withdraw due to a mechanical fault. The island’s distillery has been forced to halt production without its ferry lifeline. It is the latest chapter in a story of mishaps to the vital service which links Jura and its 210 islanders to the neighbouring island of Islay. The ferry, which can carry eight cars, is called on if a fire engine is needed on Jura, or if an ambulance has to take a patient off the island. Tourists use it to take their cars over for holidays whether in the hotel, bed and breakfast or self-catering accommodation.
Island resident Gwen Boardman said: “If we have to rely on the fishing boat for a whole week I dread to think of how difficult life is going to be. It is certainly not suitable for the elderly, infirm or the very young, and the logistics of bringing on to the island the daily necessities of life will be extremely difficult. “Anyone coming back after medical treatment or operations won’t be able to get home. Every business on the island will be adversely affected. Unless a replacement boat can be found and quickly it is going to be a nightmare situation.” Steve Walton, manager of the Isle of Jura Hotel, said: “We are having to ring round everybody who has booked to tell them what is happening”.
The picture shows the Margaret Sinclair relief ferry who operated the Port Askaig to Feolin route in March this year. Without the vehicle ferry in operation the Isle of Jura distillery will probably shut down or has already shut down. If there is any further news I will try to update the blog!
Ron May 28th, 2009
The Ileach Newspaper was present on Jura and made a beautiful video of the Jura Distillery Open Day of 2009.
Jura Distillery Open Day 28th May from ileach newspaper on Vimeo.
Ron May 26th, 2009
A limited edition of 1,300 bottles inspired by the famous Paps of Jura will be launched by one of the world’s top barmen from The Ritz in Paris. The launch of this very special Jura Paps edition will take place during the Islay Whisky Festival which includes the Jura Distillery as well. At the moment of writing I have no specific details but I guess the launch will most likely take place on Thursday 28 May at Jura Distillery open day. A quote from the Scotsman:
The highly covetable collection of three 15-year-old single malts have been named after one of the most distinctive and mystical mountain ranges on the beautiful Scottish west coast Isle of Jura. Colin said: “I’m very proud to be asked to launch the Jura Paps collection. Not only are they a whisky connoisseur’s delight, but they also celebrate and embody the character of what seems to be one of the most iconic landmarks on the island. Willie Tait, global brand ambassador for Jura, said: “The Paps of Jura are truly a fundamental and integral part of the character of Jura with legends unique to the mountains. “There has been many a dram fuelled discussion about the witch of Jura causing the deep glacial scar that runs down one fell. And many debate whether it’s true that the Paps are the burial chambers of giant Norse warriors. “But where there is no argument is that the Paps of Jura are truly majestic and iconic, and that’s what I have done with the whisky collection with the same name.” The gift-boxed limited edition whisky, which contains a fold-out Pap shaped leaflet, is expected to retail at £100 each, or £300 for the full set.
Ron May 14th, 2009
In 2007, Jura Distillery renovated the old manager’s house that sits tall and adjacent to the distillery, overlooking Small Isles Bay and the distillery courtyard. The furniture, fixtures and fittings are an eccentric and eclectic mix of stuff that just plain works, right down to the old black typewriter in the lounge/kitchen at the top of the stairs. And within these premises, Jura Distillery sought to create an environment that would enhance the creativity
of those prone to bouts of the stuff - predominantly of a literary fashion in keeping with the island’s George Orwell heritage, but also conducive to those steeped in the visual arts.
The distillery’s partner in this promising venture is the Scottish Book Trust who have established the Jura Malt Whisky Writers’ Retreat Programme, of which this book, ‘Spirit of Jura’ is the first manifestation to reach its expectant public. Consisting of several short stories and poems by such as Liz Lochhead, Kathleen Jamie and Romesh Gunesekera, this is an adventurous and praiseworthy volume that seeks to do exactly what it says on the tin. Sandwiched in the centre of this feast of poetry and prose, is a series of ‘oak gall’ landscape drawings by David Faithfull. According to the accompanying text, oak gall ink was revered by calligraphers and artists for centuries, illuminating the pages of the Book of Kells around 800AD.
‘Spirit of Jura’ is a wonderful little volume that can be dipped in and out of as the mood occurs. None of the essays or stories are so long that the reader need settle down in one of the capacious leather armchairs that inhabit the Lodge, while the contents will provide a taste of the island just warming enough to necessitate a visit. Delightful. brian palmer
Spirit of Jura can be purchased from C &E Roy on Islay or from the distillery shop on Jura
Ron May 10th, 2009
Competitors in the Vango Scottish Ultra who have suffered a week of wet and windy weather, making it more of a challenge than it perhaps initially seemed. [image courtesy Carl Reavey]
After cancellation of the last day due to atrocious weather the final results of the 2009 Scottish Ultra are: 23.33.36 Andrew Murray, 24.04.15 Rob Holding, 24.43.00 Rick Gannon, 25.18.04 Donnie Campbell, 29.52.56 Michael Evans, 30.18.45 Murray Resinski, 30.38.05 Jo Kilkenny, the only female contestant (Irish), 31.01.10 Jon Williams, 31.04.15 Craig Liddle, 31.44.55 Richard Shaw, 31.52.41 Rob Lewis, 32.43.28 Jas Baillie, 33.58.21 Andy Willday, 35.15.18 Justin McLaurin, 39.32.21 Mark Caddy, 40.32.48 Tony Gilmour. Click here for day to day results
Ron May 6th, 2009
Carl Reavey, editor of the Ileach Newspaper, went out last Monday to capture day two of the Scottish Ultra Marathon that started on Islay on May 3rd and lasts for six days. The Ultra Marathon has two stages on Islay and four on Jura. On Sunday the weather was pretty good but it broke down on Sunday evening and it has been raining almost non-stop since. The forecast doesn’t look too good either so it will be a very tough challenge for all involved. In the video below you can see footage from day two and it has a lot of water in it but also some smiling faces too!
The Vango Scottish Ultra - Day 2 from ileach newspaper on Vimeo.
Ron May 4th, 2009
Yesterday was the first day of the Ultra Marathon with a start on Islay. Conditions were pretty good from what I’ve heard. Today is day two, again on Islay but the weather has broken down and it will be a tough day for many people. Here is the route for today: Bunnahabhain to Feolin via Rhuval. Killinallan, Craigens and West Carrabus. Then Knockdonn, Loch Skerrols, Scarrabus, Balole, Loch Finlaggan and down to Port Askaig to camp across at Feolin on Jura. Good Luck to everyone!!
Below a video from day 1 of the 2008 Race. I hope to receive some images tonight from a friend on Islay. If anyone else wants to share their images of this years race please send me an email. Thanks very much!
Ron May 2nd, 2009
New Community Facility for the Isle of Jura
Easter weekend saw the opening of the newly renovated Antlers Bistro – Restaurant, Heritage and Craft Centre in Craighouse on Jura. The building was purchased in 2002 on behalf of the community of Jura by the Jura Development Trust using grant funding from the Scottish Land Fund and work has been on going since that time to secure funds for renovation of the building into a 24 cover Bistro – Restaurant with a heritage display and craft sales.
In the picture: Alex Dunnachie, Angus Paton, John Potts, Elaine Campbell (Trust Administrator), Carol McKay, Peter Wotherspoon
Both locals and visitors to the island turned out for the official opening on Saturday 11th April which was hosted by the JDT and catered for by the facility’s new tenants – Small Isles Catering – partners Grahame Pettit and Stephen Prust. The sun shone brightly as a gathering of around 120 attended the opening. JDT Chairman John Potts welcomed everyone and acknowledged support of the main project funders – The Big Lottery, HIE Argyll and the Islands, LEADER and the Moffat Charitable Trust along with a number of smaller groups and organisations who contributed to the project. He went on to acclaim the work of the project Design Team – G.McLeod Q.S, Sirus Jafari Architect, Stewart Consulting Planning Co-ordinators and McEachern Bros construction of Isle of Islay.
Ron April 28th, 2009
I have changed the layout of the Jura website last week and it now matches the Islay website although the colours are somewhat different. Together with the change in layout I decided to create a new page that contains the panorama images I have from Jura. There are now eight beautiful panorama images online and more will follow in the near future.
 Paps of Jura Landscape Panorama |
Below is an overview of the current Jura panorama’s or you can have a preview at Isle of Jura Panorama Images
The Isle of Jura Blog brings news, events, pictures and background information. There will be regular updates on a weekly basis so I would like to welcome you back. Please feel free to comment on any of the posts or contact me
advertising
