| The Isle of Jura
"The appearance of the island is very romantic and calculated
to raise sublime emotions in the spectator's soul" - 1792
Statistical Account
The beautiful Isle of Jura is a paradise for walkers, birdwatchers
and nature lovers and for those simply in need of total relaxation
in a unique and completely unspoilt location. |
| |
One of the southern Hebredies, Jura lies off
the western seaboard of Argyll and with its satellite islands
extends to about 140 square miles. The topography of the island
is dominated by the Paps;
conical shaped mountains rising to over 2500 feet. A further famous
natural feature of the island is the Gulf of Corryvreckan which
lies between the northern tip of Jura and the Island of Scarba.
When the tide in the Gulf is opposed by a gale the consequent
roar from the whirlpool can be heard many miles away. Jura is
of both literary and artistic note, not least as having been the
home of George Orwell in the late 1940s during the writing of
"1984." |
| Jura has a population of only 200 people who are significantly
outnumbered by the numerous red deer which can frequently be seen
grazing by the roadside or on the seashore. The name "Jura"
actually means "Deer Island." |
| Jura is reached by taking the Caledonian
Macbrayne ferry from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula to
the Isle of Islay and from there hopping onto the frequent car ferry
which runs from Port Askaig on Islay across to Feolin on Jura (journey
time less than 10 minutes). Alternatively you can choose to cross
from Androssen to Brodick on the isle of Arran and from there take
the short ferry to the Kintyre Peninsula and enjoy the brief drive
to Kennacraig to catch the Islay Ferry. There is also a regular
flight
from Glasgow Airport to Islay - car hire is available from the airport. |
The village of Craighouse, on the island's east
coast, is the main centre of population. The island's excellent
hotel
(The Jura Hotel) which serves good bar food is located here,
along with the well-stocked shop at the Post Office (Jura Stores)
a small museum of island life and the Isle
of Jura distillery which also has a gift shop and offers frequent
distillery tours. Other facilities on the island include a GP,
District Nurse, Mobile Library, Mobile Bank and Service Point
with public Internet access.
|
| Trout fishing on beautiful natural lochs can also
be enjoyed on Jura and is easily arranged on arrival. Deer Stalking
is also available through the various Estates. |
| Islay, the neighbouring island boasts a host of attractions.
Bowmore is the island's "capital" and offers excellent
shopping facilities (supermarket, bakery, butchers etc.) along with
a Tourist Information Centre and Indoor Swimming Pool and Leisure
Centre. Islay's many attractions include the numerous famous Malt
Whisky distilleries such as Lagavulin, Laphroig, Bowmore and Ardberg
which offer tours and Cafe/restaurant facilities. Islay also has
an excellent golf course, beautiful beaches, museums and churches
to explore. |
| The island is also a fisherman’s paradise with
numerous beautiful lochs (some of which are directly accessible
by car) offering natural brown trout fishing in lovely surroundings.
Most lochs are served with good boats. River fishing for salmon
and sea-trout is also available. |
| Small Isles House
Small Isles house is located in Craighouse on Jura within easy
walking distance of the Jura
Hotel and Jura
Stores. The house enjoys a stunning, well sheltered location
right by the sea and overlooking Small Isles Bay with its yacht
moorings and fishing boats. |
| |
Seals and Otters can frequently be seen in the sea pool opposite
the house along with swans, shell ducks, oyster catchers and many
other kinds of birds. What will you add to the list?!
Next door but one to Small Isles House is the lovely Parish Church
which has a fascinating photographic exibition recording the history
of the island. Just by the church is a superb children's play
area with swings, slides etc. catering for children of all ages. |
| Beaches: At low tide there is a small beach opposite
the house – great for the children! A short drive brings you
to 2 beautiful beaches, “wee Corran” and “Corran
Sands”. Both offer a wide expanse of clean silver sand (great
for castle building) and gentle waves for paddling and swimming.
The sea is ideal for children as the sand slopes very gently away
from the shore and there is a small tidal range. You will often
have the whole beach to yourself, even in the middle of summer!
On Lagg beach (further up the island) you can even pick mussels
at low tide and take them home for tea. |
| For anyone wishing to bring a boat there is an excellent
slipway near to the Jura
Hotel. |
