Isle of Jura

The main route to the island is usually via Islay (although a summer only passenger service operates between Jura and the mainland) where a small car ferry leaves from Port Askaig and does the regular 5 min crossing to Feolin on Jura.
From here the island’s only road (single track) follows the east coast and continues for 24 miles to the most northerly hamlet of Ardlussa (home of Lussa Gin!), passing through the main village of Craighouse on the way.

The island’s only shop, hotel, restaurant, distillery, petrol pump, school, doctor, etc are here and is the main hub of the island; Craighouse Bay provides moorings and safe anchorage for the many yachts visiting the island during the summer months.

Although the population is small, Jura’s community is thriving and vibrant with no end to the number of events and activities taking place during the summer: the Fell Race kicks off the summer season and the Music Festival finishes things off at the end of September, with sports day, regatta, 10K, being just a few of the other annual events.

Summer ceilidhs in the village hall are not to be missed – but be warned – they are not for the faint hearted! Have a look at www.juradevelopment.co.uk or www.isleofjura.scot for more information about life on the island.

Just across the water our neighbor, Islay, is much busier with beaches, distilleries (nine of them!), good restaurants plus a challenging 18 hole links golf course being just a few of the attractions on offer – lovely to visit – but better to get back to Jura!

Further Information

  • Jura Passenger Ferry: From April – September the service operates between Craighouse and Tayvallich twice daily, 6 days a week, the 12 seater rib takes approx 50 mins. Booking and information via the website jurapassengerferry.com

  • Calmac cross regularly from Kennacraig to either Port Ellen or Port Askaig on Islay with a journey time of approx 2hrs. Booking essential – visit calmac.co.uk for timetables and fares, or telephone 08000 665 000.

  • Loganair operate the twice daily service between Glasgow and Islay and from March 2019 also from Edinburgh. Flight duration is roughly 30 mins. More info can be found at loganair.co.uk

  • Argyll and Bute Council manage the link between Islay and Jura on behalf of ASP Ship Management. The Eileann Diura car ferry crosses approx every hour between 7.35am & 6.30pm Mon-Sat; 8.30am & 6.30pm Sun. A 9.30pm & 11.00pm ferry is prebookable if required (not Sundays). Tel 01496 840 681 for more information or timetable available on the Calmac website and A&BC website

  • Citylink operate the bus service between Buchanan St Bus Station and Kennacraig,(or to Lochgilphead where a linking service will take you to Tayvallich to connect with the passenger ferry). citylink.co.uk for timetables and fares. Information regarding the Lochgilphead-Tayvallich service can be found jurapassengerferry.com

  • Juracommunityshop.co.uk is the only shop on the island. Well stocked with a good selection of fresh and frozen food, also daily papers.

  • Jurahotel.co.uk is the island’s only hotel and is the social hub with a lively bar and good food.

  • Jura Distillery situated in the centre of the village, and producers of that fine whisky, offer regular tours and gifts or whisky to purchase.

  • Lussagin.co.uk Local Gin makers at the north end of the island.

  • The Jura Service Point, situated at the northern end of the village, provides general information and computers for public use and is open to the public on weekdays from 9.30am till 1.00pm. Tel Heather on 01496 820 161 for more information.

  • Juraislandtours.co.uk for an informative bus tour highlighting places of interest on the Isle of Jura.

  • Juraboattours.co.uk take a trip on this open rib to go and see the seals or head to Gigha for lunch!

  • juracycles@outlook.com Text: 07436 886 622

Jura is a paradise for nature lovers, walkers, fishermen and the likes. But whether you are out trying to spot an eagle, climb a pap or wandering the west coast, please be aware that during the months of July to February there may be deer stalking going on, so it’s always worth checking with the local estates (if you think you may be in their area) before you set off. Contact details available on juradevelopment.co.uk

Top Ten Things to do!

  • Climb a Pap

  • Hike to the West Coast

  • T-on-the-Beach at Inverlussa

  • Whisky or Gin Distillery Tour

  • Day trip to Colonsay or Islay
  • Fishing
  • Hire a bike
  • Have a massage
  • Go otter spotting
  • Go on a boat tour

If you’re looking for somewhere completely different, somewhere a bit off the beaten track, fabulous walking, interesting cycling, amazing wildlife, lazy picnics, good food especially the langoustines, village fun, mad ceilidhs, or just simple relaxation, what are you waiting for! Let the pure Hebridean air and the Atlantic breeze ease away your cares and recharge your tired batteries.