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 in Craighouse and is the main hub of the island; Small Isles 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 (eleven 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!
Top Ten Things to do!
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.
Further Information
There’s a wealth of information out there on various websites but Isleofjura.scot is a fantastic website and a great place to look for all things related to the island.
If you’re a Facebook user, the local community page – Isle of Jura Community Group – has all the latest news and events.
Below are a few useful contacts but for more detail look on any of the above.
Eating & Drinking
Jura Hotel
Licenced bar and lounge bar – food served in both.
The Antlers bakehouse & bar
Open most days throughout the year serving great coffee and mouthwatering fayre including freshly baked sourdough bread and cakes. Have a look on the local fb page for updates
Jura Community Store & Post Office
Well stocked with the basic needs. Fresh bread and milk twice weekly (Mon & Thursday) – best to pre-order. Also now stocking Wild Jura venison. Open Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm.
Other Stuff
Jura Service Point
The service point offers free Wi-Fi, PC use, photocopying, laminating, and genealogy facilities. It operates from 9.30am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, and can be reached on 01496 820161 or 01496 820168.
Jura Medical Practice
Appointments are booked from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 1.00pm. For assistance between 1pm and 6pm, phone the surgery number and follow the instructions in the recorded message. Between 6pm and 8am, call NHS 24 on 111 for non-urgent help and advice, or 999 in an emergency. Further details are available at www.juramedicalpractice.com, and the telephone number is 01496 820218.
Jura Parish Church
A service is held every Sunday at 11.30am.
Garelochhead Coaches
This company provides the island bus service. Their website is www.garelochheadcoaches.co.uk, and they can be contacted at 01436 810200.
Taxis and Tours
Local taxi and tour services are provided by Island Taxi Tours on 07803 198320 and Spirit of Jura on 07736 311275.
Jura Passenger Ferry
Passenger ferry operating between Craighouse on Jura and Tayvallich on the mainland. The website is available at www.jurapassengerferry.com and contact can be made via 07768 450000.
Jura Ferry
Additional ferry contact can be reached at 01496 840681.
CalMac
Local contact numbers are Port Askaig on 01496 840536, and Port Ellen on 01496 730172.
Mobile Bank (RBS)
A mobile bank visits Craighouse every Wednesday and is usually in the village around 12.30pm.
Mobile Fresh Fish Van
A mobile fresh fish van comes to the village every second Thursday and is usually in the village around lunchtime.
Down Near The Big Pier
Fuel
Petrol and diesel are available from the fuel pump situated beside Camella Crafts. A card system is in place and operates between 7am and 7pm. If you want to pay by cash this can be done when Camella Crafts is open.
Camella Crafts
A huge selection of locally made gifts and crafts. Check out website for more information and opening hours.
Deer Island Rum
Spiced rum spiced and bottled on the island by local couple Michael & Charlotte. Check out on Instagram and Facebook for information and opening hours or contact team@deerisland.co.uk.
The Whisky Island Gallery & Studio
The website is available at www.thewhiskyisland.co.uk and contact can be made via 07786 352568.
Things to Do
Lussa Gin
Take a picnic and head up to Ardlussa at the north end of the island and pay Lussa Gin a visit. The website is available at www.lussagin.com and contact can be made via 01496 820196.
Jura Guided
If you fancy getting to know some of the lesser known routes on our beautiful island get in touch with local guide Grant who will enhance your experience with island knowledge and stories. The website is available at www.juraguided.com, email can be sent to grant@juraguided.com, and contact can be made via 07384 607764.
Cycle Hire
Contact can be made via 07562 762382 or email juracycles@icloud.com.
Jura Distillery
Producers of that fine whisky based in Craighouse and offering tours and tastings.
Yoga, Massage, Acupuncture
Philippa offers massage, one-to-one yoga sessions, and acupuncture if you feel in need of some ‘you’ time. The website is available at www.therapyonthego.co.uk, contact can be made via 07817 456347, or email philippa@therapyonthego.co.uk.
Jura Boat Tours
The website is available at www.juraboattours.co.uk and contact can be made via 07976 280195.
