The Isle of Jura, Scotland

The Isle of Jura is one of Scotland's last wildernesses. A little over 200 people are outnumbered by 5000 deer on this stunning Scottish island.

The Isle of Jura is can be found off the west coast from Scotland, and more specific a few miles north-east from Islay, separated by the Sound of Islay. It borders on the east at the Sound of Jura with the Kintyre Peninsula and Knapdale Argyll on the other side. To the north the island of Scarba is Jura's closest neighbour separated by the Strait of Corryvreckan with its famous whirlpool. To the west the island of Colonsay can be found, separated by the Atlantic ocean.

The Isle of Jura is roughly the same size as Islay and its name is believed to originate from the Norse “Island of the Deer”. Despite its size Jura is only inhabited by approx. 200 people, who are outnumbered by the huge population of deer. Latest counts by gamekeepers show that Jura has almost 5,500 deer, making an encounter with one of these majestic animals inevitable when visiting Jura.

The Isle of Jura can be reached by car from Port Askaig. A small ferry runs at approx 30min intervals daily from 7.30am till 6.30pm. Other means of transportation are a small boat from Colonsay to Loch Tarbert and there is a water taxi from Crinan to Ardlussa, but this mainly for visits to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.

Jura has a lot of offer to its visitors. There are many historical sites of interest, varying from Iron Age Forts, ancient burial grounds and standing stones. Craighouse is a lovely little village and the main settlement on the island with a shop, tearoom and a hotel. In Craighouse Jura's only distillery can be found which is open for visitors by appointment. Jura's westcoast is wild and not easy accessible, but offers the visitors wildlife, stunning views and the feeling of being alone on the world.

Jura is a walkers paradise and the Paps of Jura are the main destination for many walkers. Other parts of the island give almost unlimited freedom of walking just about anywhere. In the south of the island is Jura House, which was built by the Campbell's of Jura, and the Walled Garden, which is open for visitors and well worth a visit.

Highland cattle near the Sound of Islay