New direct ferry service launched to Isle of Jura

Major developments to improve infrastructure at Craighouse on the Isle of Jura have just been completed and islanders are gearing up for the civic reception to mark the official launch of the new ferry service on Friday (August 1 July).

The new passenger service from Craighouse to Tayvallich on mainland Argyll is subsidised by Argyll and Bute Council and implemented by the Jura Initiative at the Edge group as well as the Jura Development Trust.

The crossing now provides a much faster link, taking 55 minutes rather than the 3œ hour journey via the Island of Islay.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has provided £140,510 to the Trust towards the improvements at Craighouse which includes three 10 metre landing pontoon and access bridge at the old stone pier and improvements to its surroundings.

A safe navigational passage has been created into the pier and hazardous seabed debris has been removed. In addition, the number of moorings have doubled bringing the total available in the bay off Craighouse to 16.

The Sound of Jura is vital to yachts-people sailing in the West Highlands and particularly for Irish sailors as it is the inshore passage northwards up the west coast of Scotland. The island attracts around 1,400 sailing boats every year, mooring in Craighouse with access to the island previously limited with only eight moorings.

The Jura Development Trust has been successful in securing funding for the infrastructure development project from HIE, Crown Estates, Argyll and Bute Council, and Initiative at the Edge with the development trust itself providing in kind contribution by removing debris in the vicinity of the old stone pier.

Colin Mclean, HIE development manager said: "The infrastructure developments provide much needed improvements now that the ferry is up and running as the landing pontoon will be used for passenger access. The project aims to boost the level of economic activity and visitor spend on Jura as well as enhance the sustainability of local businesses.

The project will enable Jura to make better use of the marine tourism market with more visitors spending in the island."

Elaine Campbell, development officer at the Isle of Jura Development Trust said: "Jura attracts an increasing number of visiting yachts annually and a huge need has been demonstrated for these additional moorings and landing pontoons at Craighouse. We are delighted to have this project finally realised and fully support the benefits it will bring to the island."

Councillor Duncan MacIntyre, Argyll and Bute Council's roads and transportation spokesperson, said: "These improvements at Craighouse are to be welcomed with open-arms. The new ferry service will not only enable people to visit this remote and beautiful island, but it will also enable the residents of Jura easy access to Lochgilphead, Oban and even Glasgow thanks to good connections with local bus services."